Inverted Nipple + Nipple Revision Surgery

Inverted Nipples

Inverted nipples appear as sunken dimples. This occurs due to a stronger inward pull from the ducts. This tight pulling force on the nipple surface causes a sunken in, or dimpled appearance. This can appear temporarily, on one side only, can change with temperature, or can be permanent. It can be problematic for cleaning, trapping dead layers of skin, especially if the dimple is deep and permanent. The aesthetic appearance of inverted nipples may be bothersome.

Correction of the inverted nipple involves releasing the pull of the deep ducts on the surface. A small incision is made under the nipple, releasing or stretching the ducts below, allowing the nipple to become more projected. If there is difficulty maintaining this projection, a soft filler may be added under the nipple to support its position.
Since the ducts are affected, there is no guarantee that you can breastfeed. Inverted nipple release is minor surgery performed under local anaesthetic. You will wear a special dressing for 1 week, which is easily hidden under normal clothing.

Nipple Size Reduction

Nipple size reduction is meant to cosmetically decrease the size of enlarged or drooping nipples. This removes a wedge from the underside of the nipple, leaving a small scar hidden below. As with all nipple cosmetic surgeries, you may not be able to breastfeed after surgery.

Nipple Skin Tag Removal

The constant rubbing of nipples against clothing or bras may cause the growth of minor skin tags. These are common and do not affect your function. As they can be irritating, these may be removed through a minor surgery.

You will need to have an examination by a physician to ensure your breast and nipple are healthy. If there is a personal or family history of breast cancer, you may need further investigations before surgery.

Removal of Extra Nipples

Extra nipples or supernumerary nipples are seen occasionally along the body. These are left over from early development and are not harmful. They are generally located along the embryonic milk lines, that are traced from the side of your abdomen to the armpit.

Removal of these extra nipples are performed as a minor surgery under local anaesthetic. A small scar will replace the extra nipple. The extra nipple may be sent for extra testing by your surgeon if there is a medical concern.

Nipple Asymmetry

Asymmetries are natural as we are not born perfectly symmetric. Some asymmetries may be more pronounced and may cause aesthetic concern. Nipples may be asymmetric in projection, size, or colour. You will be examined by one of our expert female plastic surgeons to assess the nature of the asymmetry, and a treatment plan will be recommended based on this medical evaluation.

Abnormal Colour

The nipple and areola is a uniquely pigmented area of the body. The colour that you see has contributions from your natural skin pigmentation and blood vessels. There may be changes in pigmentation that may appear obvious, especially with scars after injury or surgery. Areas of the nipple and areola that have lightened or darkened may be aesthetically concerning. At the Ottawa Institute of Plastic Surgery, we offer medical micropigmentation (tattoos) to camouflage these areas.