Inverted Nipples Albany Plastic Surgery
Inverted Nipples Overview
Inverted nipples are a relatively common problem with both men and women. The inverted nipples are flat and do not protrude the way a normal nipple does. Sometimes they can appear pinched, folded inward or somewhat sunken. For women with inverted nipples, it may be very difficult and also painful to nurse an infant. Tightened milk ducts actually pull the nipple inward causing it to appear flat or sunken. Men and women who have inverted nipples can look forward to a more natural nipple shape and breast appearance through inverted-nipple surgery at The Plastic Surgery Group in Albany, New York. Contact the doctors today for more information about nipple surgery in the Albany area.
Women who have inverted nipples frequently have a very difficult time breastfeeding because the nipples are so flat the infant has a hard time drawing the milk from them. This can also be painful for the nursing mother. Some women manipulate their flat nipples prior to nursing and over a period of months before giving birth. Suction devices can be used or this can be done with the hands. But both of these techniques can be painful and often are not effective in helping the nipple protrude adequately for successful or comfortable breastfeeding.
In some cases surgery to correct inverted nipples will make future breastfeeding impossible because the milk ducts will be detached. In other cases, the milk ducts will only be partially detached and breastfeeding will be possible. It's important to discuss your plans about breastfeeding with your plastic surgeon at The Plastic Surgery Group in Albany, and he or she will determine the most appropriate surgical procedure to realize your goals.
The Procedure
Surgery to correct inverted nipples involves your plastic surgeon at The Plastic Surgery Group in Albany making a small incision in your nipples. If milk ducts are not going to be completely detached, the tissue surrounding the nipples and areolas will be lifted with the milk ducts intact and the new shape of the nipples is created. If the milk ducts are going to be detached, the plastic surgeon will lift the tissue and detach the milk ducts thereby releasing the inverted nipples and allowing them to protrude in a more natural shape. Your plastic surgeon will discuss these procedures in detail with you during your consultation.
Usually, a local anesthetic is used during surgery to correct inverted nipples. If another procedure is going to be performed at the same time, for example a breast lift or augmentation, a general anesthetic will be used. In most cases, the surgery takes about an hour and you will be able to return home the same day.
Recovering
Recovering from surgery to correct inverted nipples is speedy and relatively pain free. You may experience slight discomfort immediately following the procedure, but your plastic surgeon at The Plastic Surgery Group can prescribe a medication that will make you comfortable.
You may experience some swelling around your nipples and this will go away in just a few days. Usually there isn't even any bruising. You'll be able to get back to your usual routine and regular activities right away. You'll be scheduled for a follow-up visit with your plastic surgeon at The Plastic Surgery Group in Albany within a week to have your stitches removed.
Potential Risks and Complications
There is always some risk of infection or an adverse reaction to anesthesia with any surgery, but these are very rare, particularly with surgery to correct inverted nipples. Your plastic surgeon at The Plastic Surgery Group will give you instructions to follow both before and after your surgery and it's important to adhere to them to ensure the most successful results.
Common Questions About Nipple Surgery
Will insurance cover the cost of surgery to correct inverted nipples?
Generally, insurance does not cover the cost of inverted nipple surgery. It is advised that you check with your insurance carrier and discuss the possibility of insurance coverage with your Albany plastic surgeon at The Plastic Surgery Group.
How long will the procedure take?
Surgery to correct inverted nipples at The Plastic Surgery Group in Albany usually takes about an hour, and you will be able to return home the same day.
Will I be able to breastfeed following the surgery?
The ability to breastfeed following corrective surgery for inverted nipples will depend on the type of procedure your plastic surgeon chooses is the best for you. It is important to discuss breastfeeding with your surgeon during your consultation at The Plastic Surgery Group in the Albany, Saratoga and Schenectady area of New York.
Will my breasts be sore and swollen?
Following your surgery to correct inverted nipples, you may have some tenderness around your nipple for a day or two and there may be slight swelling. Both of these will disappear in a couple of days.
To find out more about inverted nipple surgery in Albany, New York, contact The Plastic Surgery Group at 518-438-0505 or send us an email today. Fill our our online form for a complimentary cosmetic consultation.
© Copyright 2001, American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons