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Nipple repair is a procedure used by plastic surgeons like Dr. Javad Sajan to help women and men alike address inverted nipples – a challenging condition that often affects one's self-esteem and body image. Visit Dr. Sajan for some of the best results in inverted nipple correction Seattle has to offer.

About Nipple Inversion

Nipple inversion may be caused by a congenital condition in either men or women. It occurs in about 2% of all women. Breastfeeding may trigger a response in some nursing women that causes their milk ducts to constrict and the nipples to invert. In turn, this response may affect the woman's ability to breastfeed. For others, inverted nipples are caused by an imbalance between the milk ducts and the muscle inside the nipple that is responsible for projecting the structure outward. If the inward tension of the milk ducts overpowers the muscle, it causes nipple inversion.

Nipple inversion is "graded" to help define the degree of inversion:

  • Grade 1 – nipples are inverted but have the ability to project in response to manual contact, stimulation, or in cold temperatures.
  • Grade 2 – considered a moderate inversion, nipples can't project as easily or as long as with the Grade 1 response; milk ducts may be constricting and a woman's breastfeeding ability may be compromised.
  • Grade 3 – this is a severe nipple inversion in which the nipples never project. The man or woman with Grade 3-level inversion may have nipple hygiene issues and struggle with rashes or infections of the nipple area. For women with Grade 3 inversion, breastfeeding may be almost impossible.

Nipple Inversion Repair

You can expect your inverted nipple correction in Seattle to take place as an outpatient procedure in our state-licensed surgical center. The procedure will last about one hour, though it can take longer depending on the severity of the inversion. In most cases, the procedure will be performed with local anesthesia, unless it's being combined with another surgery. In that case, Dr. Sajan's team will administer general anesthesia instead.

To begin the operation, Dr. Sajan will make a small incision in the areola (darker-pigmented area) at the base of the nipple. He will either detach the milk ducts (to release a contracture) or lift the nipple and areola tissue from the breast and (using interior sutures) stitch them into a new and projected or reverted shape. When the reshaping is complete, the incision will be sutured closed and a medicated gauze will be applied to the area.

Before & After

Inverted Nipple Before
Inverted Nipple After

Recovery

There is a moderate recovery period associated with inverted nipple correction. Immediately after the procedure, you may experience some mild-to-moderate swelling and soreness or tenderness. For most of our patients, this lasts for about two weeks following surgery, and the discomfort is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain medication. Your dressings will remain on your breasts for about one week, and we will provide you with instructions on how to change them. Throughout the initial recovery period, you may experience bleeding, scabbing and bruising in the area. Though uncomfortable, these effects are completely normal and will subside over time.

Most of our patients are able to return to work and their normal daily routine within one to two days. However, you should continue to avoid vigorous activities for several weeks. During your post-operative appointments, Dr. Sajan will provide you with detailed information about your recovery process and timeline, to make sure you're healing properly and adequately protecting your chest.

Although Dr. Sajan will take every step necessary to prevent excessive scarring, some marks may appear in the area. The extent of the scarring will vary depending on your skin quality and its ability to heal, as well as the technique used during the procedure. In surgery, Dr. Sajan will ensure that his incisions are as small as possible and well-hidden within your natural contours, increasing your chances of emerging from the procedure without any unsightly or highly noticeable scars.

Nipple Sensation After Surgery

Many of Dr. Sajan's patients are concerned about losing their nipple sensation after inverted nipple correction. Fortunately, it is very rare for this to happen. During the procedure, Dr. Sajan leaves the nipple wall intact, so it can still contract and respond to cold temperatures and touch. As such, the vast majority of our clients continue to have normal nipple sensation after their surgery.

Inverted Nipple Correction Seattle | Dr. Javad Sajan

More Natural Looking Breasts

Both men and women who undergo inverted nipple correction report increased self-esteem and confidence as their breasts reflect a more natural shape and appearance. We invite you to contact Dr. Sajan's Seattle office today to schedule a consultation and learn how nipple inversion surgery may help you.

Allure Esthetic Plastic Surgery

(206) 209-0988

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Seattle Plastic Surgeon Location

600 Broadway Suite 320 Seattle, WA 98122

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