Breast enlargement
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Inverted nipples
For those who are recommended to have nipple and areola reduction surgery
- Those who want to have a beautifully shaped inverted nipples
- Those who are embarrassed to be seen with an inverted nipples
- Those who easily accumulate dirt on their inverted nipples
- Those who easily itch their inverted nipples
- Those who have difficulty feeding their baby with an inverted nipples
- Those who easily get mastitis with an inverted nipples
inverted nipples
An inverted nipple is a nipple that is indented inward from the nipple or has a hollow or flattened tip. It is seen in approximately 1 in 10 adult women, and the degree of symptoms varies from person to person, with one nipple indented on one side or both sides.
An inverted nipple is not only a cosmetic problem, but can also cause lactation problems and mastitis, making it problematic from both a functional and health standpoint.
Symptoms of inverted nipples
The degree of symptoms of inverted nipples varies from person to person, with mild and moderate inverted nipples being called “pseudo-submerged nipples” and severe inverted nipples being called “true-submerged nipples.
Pseudo-sagittal nipple
In mild cases, the indentation improves with finger stimulation, while in moderate cases, the indentation improves with strong stimulation, such as with a suction device, but fills in after a while.
Genuine inverted nipples
In severely inverted nipples, stimulation with an aspirator will not cause them to come out.
Causes of inverted nipples
There are two types of causes of inverted nipples: congenital and acquired.
Congenital causes occur when the mammary glands and ducts are short at birth or when the nipple-supporting tissues are underdeveloped during the developmental process. Mildly inverted nipples in adolescence and young adulthood are usually followed up, as they may lighten spontaneously during the growth process.
Acquired causes may result from inflammation, trauma, breast surgery, or disease of the mammary gland.
Effects of inverted nipples
Effects on Breastfeeding
An inverted nipple increases the likelihood of lactation problems.
When the baby sucks on the nipple, the nipple is usually taken deeper and deeper into the mouth, but with an inverted nipple, it is difficult to suckle. This may prevent the baby from drinking enough milk. The inability to breastfeed smoothly may also result in decreased milk production.
In mild or moderate cases, the baby can be fed by using a suction device, but it may cause stress and strain because the inverted nipples must be pulled out each time the baby feeds.
Health Implications
An inverted nipple increases the risk of mastitis and bacterial infections.
With an inverted nipple, the milk ducts are narrower and milk and secretions can easily clog the ducts, and dirt can accumulate in the hollowed area, making it easier for bacteria to multiply.
Mastitis is a disease that causes lumps to form in the breast, causing severe pain and swelling, and may lead to pus and high fever. Mastitis not only makes it difficult to sleep on one’s stomach or to take care of one’s child, but it may also require an incision to drain out the pus.
Even if you do not breastfeed, it is better to treat severe cases because they can cause itching, pain, and inflammation.
Appearance problems
Many people find an inverted nipple complex. They may not feel confident about their breasts and may feel anxious or embarrassed about dressing in public or with their partners. In this case, many tend to request revision surgery even for mild to moderate inverted nipples.
Features of our inverted nipples revision surgery
Preserves the function of breastfeeding
Our inverted nipple revision surgery uses a procedure that preserves the milk ducts (the ducts through which breast milk passes), allowing the nipple shape to be corrected while preserving the function of breastfeeding.
Since the secretion of breast milk is not disturbed after the surgery, women who wish to breastfeed their babies in the future can undergo the procedure with peace of mind.
Consideration for pain and anxiety
We take care to minimize the burden on our patients. Local anesthesia is used for the inverted nipples revision surgery, which not only reduces pain during the procedure, but also provides thorough post-operative pain care.
In addition, we carefully conduct a preoperative consultation so that any concerns or questions can be resolved and the patient can undergo the procedure with complete satisfaction.
Scars are inconspicuous.
We are particular about the post-operative results. We minimize incisions and choose locations on the nipple and areola where scars will not be noticeable. In addition, the scar is made less noticeable and natural by suturing the nipple and areola delicately and with high skill.
When the postoperative scar is inconspicuous, you will feel more confident about your breasts and comfortable in your daily life.
Methods of inverted nipple Correction
There are two methods of correcting an inverted nipple: preserving the milk ducts or cutting them off. Our clinic performs the duct-sparing method, which improves the inverted nipples while preserving lactation function. The procedure is as follows
1Pull out the nipple
Detach the connective tissue around the duct and pull out the inverted nipples.
2Adjust the milk ducts
Loosen the surrounding tissue that is causing the ducts and nipple to pull, taking care not to damage the ducts.
3Suture and secure
the nipple outward and suture it to stabilize its shape. Make an incision where the scar will not be noticeable,
The wound is made small.
Advantages of inverted nipples Correction
- Improves overall breast appearance
- Restores lactation function
- Helps keep nipples clean
- Reduces risk of mastitis
- Increases confidence in dressing in public
- Improves psychological satisfaction
Side Effects of inverted nipple Correction
- Postoperative internal bleeding
- Swelling
- Impaired blood flow to nipple nipple
- Skin necrosis
- Retroversion
These are common risks associated with surgery but are preventable with proper care.
Downtime of the inverted nipples revision surgery
The following is an explanation of the process of pain, swelling, and redness after the inverted nipples revision surgery.
- From the day of the procedure to 2 days later
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On the day of the procedure, you may experience mild pain and discomfort after the anesthesia wears off. Swelling and redness may also occur, but will gradually subside in a few days.
- Within 1 to 2 weeks after the surgery
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the scar will settle and you will be able to go about your daily activities and light exercise without any problems. Wear a protective brace until the scar is no longer visible. Also, avoid strong pressure or friction on the chest.
- One to two months after surgery
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The nipple shape will stabilize and return to a completely natural state.
How to Spend Your Time After inverted nipple Revision Surgery
Although the downtime for an inverted nipples revision surgery is short and the patient can return to daily activities as soon as possible, the following points should be kept in mind to make the recovery process smoother.
Wear a fixation device
After surgery, use protective devices and fixation gauze to prevent the nipple from retracting. Follow your doctor’s instructions and wear it correctly for several days.
Keep clean
To prevent infection of the wound, use waterproof tape when showering and be careful not to wet the nipple.
Avoid lying on your stomach
To prevent pressure on the wound, avoid lying on your stomach until your doctor gives you permission.
Avoid strenuous exercise, drinking, and smoking
Avoid strenuous exercise for one week after surgery to avoid pressure and friction on the treated area. Drinking alcohol and smoking should also be avoided for one to two weeks after the surgery to prevent blood circulation.
Use less constrictive underwear
After surgery, wear underwear made of soft material that is less constrictive to avoid pressure and irritation of the nipple.
Receive aftercare
You will be asked to visit the hospital within 1 week to 10 days after the surgery for follow-up. If there are no problems with the wound healing and nipple shape, you can return to your normal life.
Flow of inverted nipples revision surgery
The following is an explanation of the flow of nipple and areola reduction.
STEP1Preliminary Counseling
We will examine and discuss the degree of symptoms of the inverted nipples and the desired result. We will also carefully explain the procedure and its risks. If you have any concerns or questions about the procedure, please do not hesitate to ask.
STEP2Anesthesia
Local anesthesia is applied to the nipple and surrounding area. The anesthesia is less painful than normal anesthesia because of the use of an ultrafine injection needle.
STEP3Procedure
The milk duct is detached from the surrounding area and the inverted nipplesis pulled out. The tissue causing the nipple to pull inward is loosened and carefully sutured. The procedure takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
STEP4Postoperative Treatment
After the surgery, a protective device and gauze for immobilization will be applied to prevent the nipple from retroverting. We will also explain in detail about postoperative care.
STEP5Cooling
After the surgery, we will ask you to go home after a short period of rest.
STEP6Aftercare
Please come to the clinic 1 week to 10 days after the surgery to remove the stitches.