Considering Nipple Correction Surgery? We answer your most popular questions

Did you know that 10 to 20 percent of women and men have inverted or flat nipples?
It can be a sensitive subject and many of us tend to avoid any embarrassing trips to our GPs to discuss such issues. If you think your nipples are inverted – and you would like to know more about the corrective surgery we can offer then read on for answers to some of our most common questions.

How old do I need to be for inverted nipple correction surgery?

Although inverted or flat nipple correction is a very simple procedure and can be performed quickly and easily under local anaesthetic, most clinics will not agree to perform surgery on anyone under 18 years old.
Up until the age of 18 your breasts are still growing and it could result in subsequent breast growth if any changes are made to the nipple before this. By waiting until your breasts are fully developed it will increase your chances of getting a permanent result.
There are of course steps you can take to improve your nipples in the meantime; healthy eating and exercise to keep your weight down can help by reducing the amount of ‘pull’ on your nipples – making the inversion less severe.

What will happen to my nipple sensation after inverted or flat nipple correction surgery?

A common fear of having any kind of surgery on your nipple is a loss of sensation. During surgery the nipple ducts are divided and the muscle in the nipple wall remains intact. After surgery the muscle it will still be able to contract as normal so your nipple sensation will generally be the same you’re your nipple reacting to touch and cold as normal.

Will I be able to breastfeed after flat or inverted nipple correction surgery?

This is one of our most commonly asked questions and a very important one. During surgery the milk ducts which hold the nipple inwards are divided. This means that unfortunately once you have this surgery then you will be unable to breastfeed. We highly recommend that if you are still looking to complete your family then you should think carefully before going ahead.

What is the recovery time like after flat or inverted nipple correction surgery?

The recovery time after inverted nipple correction surgery is quite short as the procedure is performed under a local anaesthetic rather than a general. After your surgery you will only need to wear a small amount of dressing on your nipple/s and you will generally be fine to return to work the day after your surgery.
The recovery process after surgery is very easy to manage too. It is recommended that you wear looser clothing for a few days afterwards so your dressing won’t show, and also to avoid any unnecessary pressure or chafing.

Will I be able to exercise after flat nipple or inverted nipple correction surgery?

As with many surgical procedures it is recommended that you hold off on any exercise for the first couple of weeks after your surgery. It may be beneficial to use a lubricating cream or light padding to reduce friction to the nipple area when taking part in physical activities such as running.

Are there any non-surgical treatments I can try instead of nipple surgery?

We always recommend that you try non-surgical treatments before coming to us for surgery. We thoroughly recommend the Niplette suction device which you can buy in boots or other similar stores. The Niplette is applied nightly to help to gently pull out the ducts which as a result can lengthen them to reduce and in some cases even correct the inversion.
The success rate of this device is usually quite high; however this will depend on what grade your inverted nipples are. The Niplette works best on grade 1 and 2 inverted nipples rather than a more severe grade 3 case. Although as it is a safe and inexpensive tool it is still definitely worth trying initially whatever grade you are.

Can I combine inverted flat nipple correction surgery with breast enlargement or reduction surgery?

If you are considering a breast enlargement or breast reduction and have inverted nipples then generally it is best to have them both done at the same time, as this means you will only need one operation and general anaesthetic.
Recovery for this combined procedure will be very similar to recovering from standard breast enlargement or reduction surgery, however you will have additional dressings on your nipple that you would not normally have after a standard procedure.

How much does inverted and flat nipple surgery cost?

The approximate price for a bilateral Nipple Correction is £2500. We don’t follow a one-price-fits-all policy and prices are quoted on a case by case basis. You will be given an accurate quote for your requirements following your consultation.

Inverted or Flat Nipple Correction at The Private Clinic

Our philosophy at The Private Clinic is to help you feel your best you, comfortable and confident in your own body. In order to do that, we’ve gathered some of the UK’s leading Consultant Plastic Surgeons to advise you in an unbiased and professional manner. Keep in mind, if they think that a procedure wouldn’t benefit you, they won’t perform it.

• Mr Adrian Richards, MBBS, MSc, FRCS (Plast.) GMC Number: 3286812
• 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
• Mr Khurram Khan MMBS, Bsc, MRCS(Eng), FRCS(Plast), GMC Number: 6102778

Inverted Nipple Correction Surgery consultations offered at our London, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, and Northampton clinics.
To find out more about Inverted Nipple Correction or Flat Nipple surgery please call 0333 920 2471 or use our inverted nipple online contact form to request a call-back.