Inverted Nipple Repair

Inverted nipples are a common concern for women and occur when the nipple does not project correctly because the milk ducts leading to the nipples are too tight or short. This leads to the nipple being pulled in to the areola rather than protruding naturally. 

There are 3 classes of inverted nipples.

Class I: The inverted nipples may be inverted but stay projected after manipulation.

Class II: The inverted nipples may project initially by manipulation but then retract.

Class III: The inverted nipples may be impossible to achieve eversion with manipulation.

Women with inverted nipples may be self-conscious when changing their bra/swim suits in the presence of others, in intimate situations, and in thin clothing/swim suits where it may be apparent they have inverted nipple(s).

Inverted Nipple Repair procedures can make the nipples project and improve self confidence by releasing the nipple from the ducts that are pulling it back.

Educate Yourself on Your Procedure

Inverted nipple repair is a commonly performed procedure.  If you are a patient considering an inverted nipple repair procedure, please explore the links provided for further information on this procedure and what you can expect. If you have any questions about inverted nipple repair correction, or any of our other procedures, please contact us.

What are the Benefits of Inverted Nipple Repair?

Inverted nipple repair patients often pursue surgery in order to correct a number of issues including:

  • Improve overall appearance of breasts
  • Alleviate insecurity over appearance of nipples
  • Improve the projection and size of the nipple(s)

Like the thousands of women who undergo this procedure every year, you too can alleviate your discomfort and gain the confidence you deserve.

Preparing for Your Inverted Nipple Repair Procedure

 

What is the first step in pursuing the Inverted Nipple Repair procedure?
The first step when considering an inverted nipple repair procedure is to schedule your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Barr. The consultation process provides an opportunity for you to obtain important information about the procedure and to have all of your questions answered prior to proceeding with surgery.   It also enables Dr. Barr to properly assess you and determine whether you are a suitable candidate for an inverted nipple repair procedure.
You should be prepared to discuss your medical history, including any medical conditions, drug allergies, medical treatments you have received, previous surgeries including breast biopsies, all current medications, as well as any significant weight gain or loss.

During your consultation you will be asked about your concerns and any additional characteristics of your breasts that you would like to see improved. Dr. Barr will carefully assess your nipple tissue characteristics and placement of nipples and areolas. Measurements and pre-operative photographs will also be taken. He will evaluate your general health and explain which surgical approaches are best suited for you based on the size of your breasts, body type and aesthetic goals.

The benefits, risks and potential complications associated with inverted nipple repair surgery will be thoroughly explained during this consultation. The information provided at this initial consultation will be comprehensive and thorough, and should enable you to make an informed decision as to whether or not inverted nipple repair is the right choice for you. A comprehensive instruction package will also be provided to you at the time of consultation, and includes instructions for before and after surgery.

Am I a candidate for an inverted nipple repair procedure?
The ideal candidates for an inverted nipple repair procedure are healthy women who have realistic expectations of surgical outcomes. You may be a good candidate for inverted nipple repair if you are embarrassed or experience discomfort as a result of inverted nipples and if you have, or anticipate having difficulties breastfeeding.

Can I combine another surgery with my inverted nipple repair procedure?
It may be possible to schedule another surgery at the same time as your procedure. You should be prepared to discuss all possibilities during your consultation with Dr. Barr.

The Procedure

 

What will I need to do prior to surgery?
Prior to surgery you will be scheduled for a pre-op session with our Registered Nurse to review your medical history and your post-op instructions. She will review all of the information required to prepare you for surgery.

Where will my inverted nipple repair procedure be performed?
Your inverted nipple repair procedure will be performed within the state-of-the-art facilities of Barr Plastic Surgery, located within the Northern Ontario Surgical Centre.

The Northern Ontario Surgical Centre has been awarded accreditation by the CAAASF (Canadian Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities) for meeting the standards of a hospital in regards to monitoring, emergency and resuscitation equipment. With two levels and entrances that conceal the actual size of the facility, the centre itself spans 8000 square feet and incorporates fully equipped major and minor operating rooms, a monitored multi-bed recovery area, 10 laser and treatment rooms, spacious consultation areas, private offices to discuss financing options, elegant waiting areas and a private waiting room and secure rear entrance/exit for additional privacy when desired.

How is an inverted nipple repair procedure performed?

The inverted nipple repair procedure rarely takes about one hour, and is performed using local anaesthetic. During your procedure, an incision is made at the edge of the nipple and the ducts which are pulling on the nipple are released. This will allow the nipple to immediately be released and protrude naturally. A small piercing is inserted into the nipple to ensure that the nipple does not return to its inverted position. This piercing is removed 3 months after surgery.

Who will administer the anaesthetic?
If you require general anaesthesia, a board-certified anaesthesiologist will administer your anaesthetic, stay with you during the entire operation, and will be there as you wake up. Local anaesthetic does not require an anaesthesiologist.

Who can I contact if I have any questions or concerns?
During office hours our Patient Coordinators and nursing staff are available to answer any questions or concerns following your surgery. After hours, Dr. Barr is available by pager.

Pricing 

 

How much does an inverted nipple repair procedure cost?
Pricing for your procedure will depend on the type of procedure needed to correct your inverted nipples, and will be provided to you during your consultation.

Patients choosing to invest in their self-confidence and happiness through cosmetic surgery have many options available to make this investment more manageable. Our Patient Coordinators are familiar with various payment options and can facilitate the process for you.

Is full payment required or do you offer a financing plan?

Affording your procedure can be made simpler by using Medicard which enables you to pay for your surgery with monthly payments. Please note that this company is not affiliated in any way with Barr Plastic Surgery. For more information on how financing can help you afford your procedure, visit:

MEDICARD
www.medicard.com
1-888-689-9876

  •  Fax, online, phone application
  • Approval within 1 business day
  • Payment terms: 6 months to 5 years
  • No down payment
  • Rates based on overall credit history (11.9% – 25%)
  • No penalties for early payments
Is my procedure covered by insurance?
In most cases, inverted nipple repair is considered cosmetic surgery so it is not usually covered by private or provincial health insurance such as OHIP.

What is included in the surgical fee?
The facility fee, surgeon, nurses, anaesthesia and anaesthetist, surgical supplies, and equipment used are all covered in the fees.

You will also be provided with prescriptions for medications to be taken after surgery. These prescriptions are subject to the same coverage you would receive from your medical insurance. If you do not have personal insurance then these are extra costs to you.

Is a deposit required? When is it due?
There is a $500 deposit for any surgery under $5,000 and a $1000 deposit for any surgery over $5000.
This deposit is payable upon scheduling a surgery date.  This fee is non-refundable should you change, reschedule or cancel your surgery within 4 weeks of the surgery date.
When is payment for the surgery due?
Payment for your surgery is due 14 days prior to your surgery date. Payment can be made by:

  • Cash
  • Certified Cheques
  • Mastercard or VISA
  • E-transfers
  • Financing plan

Recovery

Will I need to stay overnight during my surgery?
Inverted Nipple Repair surgery is an outpatient procedure and does not require an overnight stay at Barr Plastic Surgery.

How long will it take me to recover from my inverted nipple repair procedure?

Recovery from inverted nipple repair procedure is usually uneventful. The nipple(s) may feel sore and swollen for up to a week after surgery. Patients are asked to begin showering daily, starting the day following surgery and gently washing the area with soap and applying an antibiotic ointment to the incision site. Patients may experience some mild tenderness for the first week after the procedure. Patients can usually return to work within a few days of their procedure. Your progress will be monitored by Dr. Barr and his medical staff through a series of follow up appointments and any changes to your routine and activity levels will be detailed for you.

Will there be any loss of sensation in my breasts?
Due to the swelling after surgery there may be some loss of feeling in your nipples and breasts. This altered sensation is reduced as swelling decreases.

Will I have scarring?
Dr. Barr takes every precaution to ensure your scarring is as minimal as possible. However, as with any surgery, there may be scars from the incisions. Once your incisions have healed there are products that can be used to minimize the redness in scars as well as improve their texture. Reusable silicone strips, as well as medical grade topical scar creams, can be purchased to reduce the discolouration found in new scars. Various precautions to minimize scarring will be discussed during consultation.

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