Although it is not commonly discussed, inverted nipples are actually very common and around 10 – 20 percent of women and men have inverted or flat nipples. Inverted nipples are not anything to be too concerned about as they are usually present from birth caused by genetics but some people do dislike the appearance of them and seek treatment to help correct the problem.
What are the causes of inverted nipples?
Inverted nipples are caused by the muscles contracting inside the nipple. Inversion occurs when the inward pull of the muscle is stronger that the muscle inside the nipple that pushes it outwards resulting in the nipple taking on a permanent inverted or flat position depending on the severity. The milk ducts within the nipple can also play a big part in inverted nipples, in the majority of cases the nipple is being pulled down by milk ducts that have been shortened.
The severity of inverted or flat nipples is variable and is usually determined by a series of ‘grades. Once you know the grade of your inverted nipple it will help to determine the best course of treatment to correct them.
Inverted Nipple Grades
Grade 1
Grade 1 is the mildest form of inverted nipples. The nipple usually takes on more of a flat position rather than being completely inverted but when they are stimulated either by touch or temperature they are able to evert as normal for a certain period of time before returning back to their natural flat position.
Grade 2
Grade 2 is a moderate form of inverted nipples. The nipple will appear slightly more inverted compared to Grade 1 and they will still continue to evert when stimulated but they are likely to return to their natural position after just a short period of time, if not immediately after.
Grade 3
Grade 3 is the most severe form of inverted nipples. The milk ducts on a grade 3 nipple are usually very short resulting in a permanent inversion even when the nipple is stimulated.
Treatment for Inverted or Flat Nipples
Niplette Device
The first stage of treatment for inverted or flat nipples is using a device called a Nipplette. The Nipplette is a plastic suction cup which works by gently stretching the milk ducts within the nipple when the device is placed over the nipple. A Nipplette device can be purchased from the majority of high street chemists such as Boots or online.
The Nipplette device is usually very effective on Grade 1 nipples and some Grade 2 inverted nipples too however those with the more severe Grade 3 will most likely need surgery to achieve the best results. We would always recommend trying the Nipplette device before any surgical procedure as it often provides enough version that you don’t have to go ahead with the surgery.
If the Nipplette has not worked then you will instead be offered inverted nipple surgery.
Inverted nipple surgery is a relatively quick procedure however there are 2 different techniques;
Stretching
The first technique is called stretching. This is when the milk ducts within the nipple are stretched which releases the pull on the nipple. This option is great for female patients who are concerned about breast feeding as the milk ducts remain intact so it should not affect your ability to breastfeed.
Dividing
The second technique is known as dividing. This is when the milk ducts are divided via an incision which releases the inwards pull. This method is preferred by surgeons as the results last longer compared to the stretching technique. The downside is that it is unlikely you will be able to breastfeed after the procedure.
Inverted nipple correction procedures start from £2,500 for both nipples.
Inverted nipple surgery is performed under local anaesthetic as a day case procedure. It can also be combined with other breast surgery procedures such as a breast enlargement. The downtime after the procedure is minimal, there may be some discomfort initially afterwards but this can be easily managed with pain medication and many patients are able to return back to work within 1-2 days.
The surgeons who perform the inverted nipple correction surgery are:
- Mr Adrian Richards, MBBS, MSc, FRCS (Plast.) GMC Number: 3286812
- Mr Dario Rochira BS, MD GMC Number: 6130664
- Mr Kenneth Kok MBChB MRCS MSc(Hons) FRCS(plast) GMC Number: 4701147
- Mr Maisam Fazel MA(Cantab) MB BChir MSEd FRCS GMC Number: 4767420
- Mr Philip Lim BSc (Hons), MB ChB, AFRCS (Ed), MRCS (Eng), FRCS (Plast) GMC Number: 4219068
- Mr Adel Fattah, FRCS (Plast.) GMC Number: 4764599
Why choose The Private Clinic for inverted nipple surgery?
- Over 35 years’ experience in medical cosmetic procedures and advanced non surgical non invasive treatments.
- Consultations with expert breast surgeons who have years of experience
- 24 hour patient helpline to ensure you are always in the best of hands.
- Three years cover for all surgical, hospital and nursing care, in case of any medical issue giving you peace of mind.
- Comprehensive Nipple surgery Patient Guide.
- Outstanding hospital facilities.
- Our experience and medical expertise makes your journey a reassuring one
- View our inverted nipple surgery before and after results
- Read our extensive inverted nipple FAQs
- Find out more information in our nipple correction blogs
- Consultations available in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds and Northampton.
To find out more about our inverted nipple treatments or please call 0333 920 9135 or click here to book inverted nipple treatments consultation.
