Surgery for invaginated or inverted nipples
General Description of Nipple Intussusception:
The nipple, located in the center of the areola, is the raised part of the breast and is essential for lactation, being the place where the milk ducts emerge through the skin. Its average projection varies from 3 to 7 mm. However, it may be little pronounced, or even absent, or even invaginated. Anatomically, this invagination is due to milk ducts and interlobular fibrous partitions that are too short.
In the majority of cases, nipple intussusception is of constitutional origin and manifests itself from adolescence. In other cases, it can occur after pregnancy, breastfeeding or a breast infection. The goal of correcting invaginated nipples is to restore their relief. This intervention is intended for morphological purposes only and has no impact on breastfeeding capacity.
The intervention steps for curing invaginated nipples:
The final projection of the nipple is fully appreciable after a year, although the change in relief is visible from the first dressing. Correction of intussusception only brings out an already existing nipple: a small invaginated nipple can, after treatment, only become a “small” disinvaginated nipple.
- It is necessary to carry out two pre-operative consultations with a plastic surgeon.
- If necessary, a mammogram and/or ultrasound will be prescribed. Before and after photos of the invaginated nipple will be taken for documentation.
- Preoperative instructions for breast surgery include:
- Stop smoking for at least one month before the procedure and up to one month after, in order to reduce the risk of necrosis and complications.
- Stopping all anticoagulant or antiplatelet treatment 15 days before the procedure.
This breast surgery is performed under simple local anesthesia, although in rare cases sedation may be considered for more anxious patients. The procedure usually lasts 30 to 45 minutes, and a simple dressing is applied.
