A Guide to Inverted Nipples and Their Treatment
Inverted nipples are more common than most people realize. Millions of women have one or both nipples that are retracted below the areola instead of projecting outward as with normal anatomy. While some women have no physical or emotional concerns, others feel very self-conscious, frustrated and less feminine. Many also wonder whether inverted nipples can truly be fixed and, if so, what the results would be.
The reassuring news is that inverted nipple correction is a quick, effective procedure with an extremely high satisfaction rate. It should, however, be performed by a reputable board-certified plastic surgeon.
Whether your concern is cosmetic, functional, or connected to breastfeeding difficulties, treatment can restore natural nipple projection and improve confidence.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about inverted nipples, including causes, grades of severity, surgical treatment, recovery, risks and combining procedures.
What Are Inverted Nipples?
An inverted nipple is a nipple that appears flat or is retracted inward instead of pointing outward. Nipple inversion can affect one or both breasts and can range from mild to severe. Most patients seek inverted nipple repair in order to create nipple projection and a more normal breast appearance.
Types (Grades) of Inverted Nipples
Inverted nipples can be categorized into three categories depending on their presentation and anatomical factors.
- Grade I: The nipple can be manually pulled outward and may stay projected briefly.
- Grade II: The nipple can be pulled outward but quickly retracts.
- Grade III: The nipple remains inverted and cannot be manually everted; surgery is usually required.
What Causes Inverted Nipples?
Inverted nipples can be present from birth or develop later in life. The most common underlying cause is shortened milk ducts or fibrous bands beneath the nipple that tether it inward. When these structures are tight or scarred, outward projection becomes difficult or impossible.
Common causes of inverted nipples include:
- Congenital anatomy – Some women are simply born with shorter ducts or tight ligaments.
- Breastfeeding – Nursing can stretch or scar the ducts, contributing to nipple inversion.
- Prior breast surgery – Breast reduction, augmentation, lumpectomy, or other procedures may alter duct structure.
- Breast trauma or injury – Scarring can pull the nipple inward.
- Aging or tissue changes – Loss of elasticity may contribute to inversion.
- Breast cancer (rarely) – New or sudden nipple inversion should always be medically evaluated.
If you experience sudden inversion, especially on one side, consult your doctor to rule out underlying causes.
Inverted Nipple Correction: How the Procedure Works
Inverted nipple correction surgery is a minimally invasive treatment designed to release the underlying tight ducts or tissue bands that cause nipple inversion. Once released, the nipple is gently positioned outward and supported during early healing.
Where the Procedure Is Performed
Most inverted nipple surgeries are performed:
- In the office
- Under local anesthesia
- In about 45 minutes
If you’re undergoing another breast procedure—such as breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction or a revision surgery—your inverted nipples may be able to be corrected at the same time.
Step-by-Step Overview of Inverted Nipple Surgery
While every surgeon’s technique varies slightly, the general process includes:
- Local anesthesia to ensure total comfort
- A small incision made at the base of the nipple
- Careful release of the shortened ducts and fibrous tissue
- Gentle outward positioning of the nipple
- Placement of a protective dressing or support device to maintain projection
The incisions are small and typically heal extremely well, becoming barely noticeable.
Is Inverted Nipple Surgery Painful?
Most women are pleasantly surprised by how comfortable the procedure is. Once the anesthetic is placed, the correction itself is usually painless.
After the treatment, patients may experience very mild soreness or pressure but this typically resolves within a few days and is easily managed without prescription medications.
Inverted Nipple Surgery Recovery: What to Expect
There is minimal down time following inverted nipple correction though there are restrictions of certain activities for a period of time. Many women return to work or normal routines the same or next day.
During recovery you should:
- Keep the protective nipple dressing in place as instructed
- Avoid compression or pressure on the nipple for around eight weeks
- Wear loose, non-compressive bras or soft bralettes
- Hold off on intense exercise or chest-focused workouts temporarily
- Avoid sleeping on your stomach
- Follow all postoperative instructions from your surgeon
Following these guidelines helps ensure long-lasting results and minimizes recurrence.
Are the Results of Inverted Nipple Correction Permanent?
When performed by a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon—and when postoperative instructions are carefully followed—results are typically permanent. Recurrence is rare.
Can Inverted Nipple Correction Be Combined With Other Breast Procedures?
Yes. In fact, many women choose to have inverted nipple correction performed alongside their cosmetic breast surgery. Common combinations include:
- Breast augmentation (for added volume)
- Breast lift (mastopexy) (for lifting and reshaping)
- Breast reduction (to reduce size and improve comfort)
- Breast revision (to update or correct previous surgeries)
Combining procedures reduces multiple recovery periods and provides a more cohesive, balanced improvement.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Inverted Nipple Correction?
You may be a good candidate if:
- Your nipples appear flat, inverted, or tethered
- You feel self-conscious about nipple appearance
- Breastfeeding is difficult due to inversion
- You want permanent correction
- You are in good general health
- You have realistic expectations
Your surgeon will examine the severity of your inversion and determine the best approach for achieving natural-looking projection.
Benefits of Inverted Nipple Treatment
Correcting inverted nipples can improve both appearance and emotional well-being. Common benefits include:
- Outward nipple projection
- Greater breast symmetry
- Improved confidence in clothing, swimwear, and intimate situations
- A more youthful breast appearance
Many patients report that such a small procedure has an unexpectedly large impact on their confidence and body image.
Your Consultation for Inverted Nipple Treatment
If you’re tired of feeling self-conscious about inverted nipples or want to have them treated, you can schedule a complimentary consultation with me, Dr. Steven Turkeltaub, either by calling the Arizona Center for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery at (480) 451-3000 or contacting us by email.
Steven H. Turkeltaub, M.D. P.C.
Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona