Inverted Nipple Repair in Seattle

Feeling great about every part of the body, including the small details, can make a huge difference in daily confidence. That’s why we at Allure Esthetic offer a straightforward, one‑hour solution for anyone bothered by an inverted nipple in Seattle.

Renowned cosmetic surgeon Dr. Javad Sajan has developed a gentle and effective technique that restores outward projection, preserves sensation whenever possible, and enables most patients to return to normal activities within just a few days.

Inverted nipples can cause self-consciousness, discomfort, and difficulties with breastfeeding. Many people live with the condition for years, unaware that a quick and safe procedure exists to correct it. At Allure Esthetic Plastic Surgery in Seattle, board-certified cosmetic surgeon Dr. Javad Sajan offers inverted nipple repair to restore natural appearance, improve function, and enhance confidence.

An inverted nipple points inward or lies flat rather than projecting outward. This can be present since adolescence or occur after life changes such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, piercing, or scarring.

Inverted nipple repair is a straightforward procedure that corrects nipples that point inward instead of outward. This can be due to shortened milk ducts, fibrous tissue, or congenital factors.

The procedure involves releasing the underlying tissue that tethers the nipple, with the option of preserving milk ducts for patients who plan to breastfeed in the future. The result is a natural, outward-projecting nipple with minimal scarring.

Clinicians classify nipple inversion by “grade,” which helps predict the complexity of surgery and the likelihood of breastfeeding afterward.

• Grade I (mild): Nipple usually sits flat but can pop out with cold or gentle pressure, and breastfeeding is typically unaffected.
• Grade II (moderate): Harder to coax outward and quickly retracts; nursing may be more challenging.
• Grade III (severe): Permanently pulled inward; cannot be protracted manually and almost always requires surgery for correction.

An inverted nipple happens when the nipple is pulled inward instead of projecting outward. Several factors can cause or contribute to this condition:

Common Causes of Inverted Nipples

1. Congenital (present from birth): Some people are simply born with shortened milk ducts or fibrous tissue beneath the nipple that pulls it inward. This is the most common cause.
2. Breastfeeding or pregnancy changes: Hormonal shifts, stretched ducts, or scarring from breastfeeding can sometimes lead to nipple inversion later in life.
3. Aging and tissue changes: Over time, breast tissue may lose elasticity, and the supporting structures of the nipple can weaken, resulting in nipple inversion.
4. Injury or scarring: Trauma, prior breast surgery, or scarring around the nipple can tether tissue inward.
5. Underlying medical conditions (rare): In some cases, inverted nipples that develop suddenly may be linked to conditions such as breast infections, ductal problems, or, rarely, breast cancer.

Restores nipple projection and shape

Corrects nipples that appear flat or pulled inward, creating a more natural, outward appearance.

Improves symmetry and confidence (unilateral or bilateral)

Whether one or both nipples are affected, repair enhances breast balance and can help patients feel more comfortable in clothing and swimwear.

Small incisions with discreet scarring

The procedure uses tiny incisions hidden at the base of the nipple, leaving little to no visible scarring.

Outpatient procedure with rapid recovery

Completed in about an hour, most patients return home the same day and resume light activities within a couple of days.

Duct-sparing approach may be possible for eligible patients

When appropriate, techniques can preserve milk ducts, enabling some patients to continue breastfeeding.

This procedure is performed for both men and women. Inverted nipples may affect one side (unilateral) or both sides (bilateral). Dr. Javad Sajan customizes the repair to each patient’s anatomy, ensuring a natural, symmetrical result.

Consider scheduling a consultation if any of these ring true:

• Persistent irritation or hygiene issues caused by skin folds
• Difficulty latching a baby or plans to breastfeed in the future
• Self‑consciousness in fitted clothing, swimwear, or during intimacy
• Asymmetry—only one nipple is inverted while the other projects normally
• Previous piercing or trauma that created scarring and inversion

During the visit, Dr. Sajan reviews the health history, assesses the nipple grade, and discusses whether the ducts can remain intact (key for future nursing) or should be released for a permanent result.

• Smoking: Patients must be non-smokers or willing to stop before and after surgery for proper healing.
• Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Surgery is not recommended during pregnancy or active breastfeeding. If planning future pregnancies, discuss duct-sparing options and possible changes to breastfeeding ability.
• Medical conditions: Those with uncontrolled health conditions or poor wound healing may not qualify

• Anesthesia & prep: Most patients choose local anesthesia with light oral sedation—no breathing tube, no grogginess. However, Dr. Sajan also offers general anesthesia.
• Incision: A tiny half‑circle is made at the base of the nipple or within the areola pigment, keeping future scars inconspicuous.
• Release or preservation of ducts:
  1. Grade I–II: milk ducts stay largely intact; fine sutures “tent” the nipple outward.
  2. Grade III: shortened or scarred ducts are gently divided so the nipple can project; ducts that must be sacrificed are discussed beforehand.
• Internal support: Dr. Sajan uses delicate, absorbable stitches to hold the new shape while the tissues heal.
• Final check and dressings: A breathable pad and a soft surgical bra protect the area; no drains are required.

The total time spent in our private Seattle suite is typically under two hours, door-to-door.

One-hour inverted nipple repair in Seattle by Dr. Javad Sajan delivers discreet, natural results. Patients benefit from minimal scarring, duct-preserving techniques (when suitable), and a smooth recovery process.

• Day 0–1: Expect mild soreness, swelling, or tightness around the nipple area. Keep dressings dry and secure, avoid touching the site, and sleep on your back to reduce pressure. Over-the-counter pain relief is usually sufficient.
• Days 2–3: Most patients feel well enough to return to light or desk work. It’s important to avoid pressure or friction on the chest, including tight bras or strenuous arm movements.
• Day 4: If non-dissolvable sutures were placed, they are typically removed around this time. Dissolvable sutures may not require removal, but will be checked by the surgeon.
• Days 4–7: Follow-up appointment for wound evaluation and dressing care. Swelling continues to decrease, and most patients feel more comfortable moving around.
• Weeks 2–4: Resume light exercise such as walking or lower-body workouts that do not strain the chest. Most visible swelling resolves by this stage, and incisions begin to heal smoothly.
• Week 6+: Clearance is typically granted to resume full physical activity, including high-impact exercise and lifting. Scars will continue to soften and fade gradually over several months.

• Possible risks: bleeding, infection, scarring, asymmetry, recurrence of inversion, nipple sensation changes, and effects on breastfeeding.
• Minimization steps: sterile surgical technique, meticulous hemostasis, duct-sparing methods, and close follow-up care. Non-smokers generally heal more reliably.

• Expert Surgeon: Led by Dr. Javad Sajan, a board-certified plastic surgeon recognized for advanced breast and nipple procedures.
• Personalized Care: Every treatment plan is customized to match your anatomy, goals, and lifestyle.
• Duct-Sparing Options: Whenever possible, techniques are designed to preserve breastfeeding ability.
• Discreet Results: Small, hidden incisions and meticulous technique mean minimal scarring and natural projection.
• Comprehensive Support: From consultation to follow-up, our team provides clear guidance, attentive aftercare, and financing options to make treatment accessible and affordable.
• Proven Track Record: Thousands of successful cosmetic surgeries performed in Seattle, with consistently high patient satisfaction.

We combine artistry with science. Dr. Sajan is an internationally recognized aesthetic surgeon who performs hundreds of breast and chest procedures every year. Our Broadway clinic features on‑site, fully accredited operating rooms, extended evening hours, and a genuine “patient‑first” culture from the first phone call to the final follow‑up.

Ready to rediscover confidence? Fill out our online contact form, check our Price Simulator, or give us a call at (206) 209-0988 to book your consultation. We look forward to helping every patient feel comfortable, empowered, and utterly at home in their body.

Dr. Javad Sajan is a Seattle-based, board-certified plastic surgeon whose practice is devoted exclusively to cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the face and body.

• He has earned a reputation as an international expert in cosmetic surgery, lecturing nationally and abroad.
• He has been involved in clinical research for more than a decade, including participation in the prestigious CORE Grant program. He is the co-creator of the world’s only validated facial simulator used in surgical training.
• Dr. Sajan is also deeply committed to giving back — his humanitarian work includes pro bono reconstructive surgeries for children with craniofacial abnormalities and domestic violence survivors, both locally and globally.
• His work has been published in leading scientific journals (e.g. The Journal of Surgical Research, JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Archives of Otolaryngology, JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery).

If inverted nipples affect your comfort, confidence, or daily life, Dr Javad Sajan from Allure Esthetics offers a safe and effective solution. With Dr. Sajan’s expertise and state-of-the-art techniques, patients achieve natural results with minimal downtime.

Call (206) 209-0988 or book your consultation online today.

What are inverted nipples?

An inverted nipple points inward or lies flat instead of projecting outward. About 10 % of the population has at least one inverted nipple, and many discover the trait at puberty or after breastfeeding.

What do inverted nipples look like?

They may appear “shy,” with a crease or dimple where the nipple should protrude. Some nipples evert briefly when stimulated and then retract; others stay hidden all the time.

What causes inverted nipples?

Short milk ducts, fibrous tethering bands, congenital anatomy, prior piercing, infections, or breast surgeries can pull the nipple inward. A sudden new inversion warrants medical evaluation to rule out inflammation or, rarely, a mass.

How do you fix inverted nipples?

Temporary tricks include suction devices or nipple shields. Still, the only long‑lasting fix is a brief surgical release and internal suturing, also called inverted nipple surgery in Seattle, in many clinic brochures.

What percentage of inverted nipples are cancerous?

Very few. Inversion present from puberty is almost always benign. Rapid new inversion in adulthood can occasionally signal an underlying issue; imaging or a breast exam is the safest step.

Are inverted nipples normal?

Yes—like freckles or curly hair, they’re a normal anatomical variant found worldwide.

Are inverted nipples real?

Absolutely. They’re not “botched” nipples or a cosmetic myth; they’re a genuine, well‑documented condition with straightforward treatment options.

Can I breastfeed after inverted nipple repair?

Some patients can, mainly when duct-sparing techniques are used. This depends on your anatomy and goals; discuss these during your consultation.

Will nipple sensation change?

Temporary numbness or heightened sensitivity is a common occurrence. Most patients recover their baseline sensation, although changes may persist in rare cases.

Is the result permanent?

Results are designed to be long-lasting, though a small risk of recurrence exists. Careful technique and diligent aftercare reduce this risk.

Does it hurt?

Mild discomfort is common, usually managed with over-the-counter medication.

Can men have this procedure?

Yes. Inverted nipple repair is performed for both men and women.

Can I combine this with breast augmentation or lift?

Yes, many patients choose to combine procedures for efficiency and convenience. Dr. Sajan will guide you on the safest approach.

How soon can I go back to work?

Most patients return to desk work within 2 to 3 days. Physically demanding jobs may require additional time off.