Inverted nipples usually look flat, or cause a depression into the nipple area. Usually the condition is caused by shortened milk ducts and has been present since puberty, or is a new condition caused by other factors. If you have recently developed inverted nipples, you should see your doctor immediately.

The specific breast surgery to repair inverted nipples releases the sunken nipple from the tissues that hold it in, and allow a more pleasing and normal appearance of the nipple. Your doctor will administer a local anesthetic as well as a sedative to help you relax. An incision will be made just around the base of the nipple on the areola. The nipple and areola tissue is lifted from (but still connected to) the breast and stitched into a new, projecting shape utilizing a "purse-string" style of suturing (stitches). Because of the circular shape of the scar around the nipple, scar contracture will actually increase rather than decrease nipple projection. Medicated gauze is then applied to the site.

Recovery time: 2 to 3 days.