Inverted nipple
An inverted nipple is a congenital or acquired nipple deformity that may affect one or both breasts. Before making the diagnosis, a breast condition must always be ruled out. The nipple is more or less buried behind the areola, with a permanently retracted appearance and it never everts. A 'minor' surgical treatment consists of releasing the retraction so that the nipple can 'evert'. Under local or general anaesthesia, depending on your preference, the surgeon makes a small incision hidden beneath the nipple (therefore almost invisible) in order to 'exteriorise' it. A discreet closure is then performed with absorbable stitches, and a light dressing is applied. This procedure causes very little discomfort and quickly restores or creates a more 'prominent' nipple, in better harmony with the breast. In some cases, cover may be possible; the surgeon will inform you during the consultation if this applies. The operation is carried out in the clinic’s operating theatre, in a state-of-the-art environment that has been authorised to perform cosmetic surgery procedures by the Haute Autorité Sanitaire (HAS). It lasts about 30–45 minutes. Risks and complications are uncommon; nevertheless, although performed for predominantly aesthetic reasons, it remains genuine surgery, which implies the risks inherent to any medical act, however minor. To reduce the risk of haematoma, no medication containing aspirin or aspirin derivatives should be taken in the ten days preceding the procedure. Certain delays in wound healing may prolong the need for a dressing, notably in the event of skin necrosis, which is very rare. Smoking is a significant risk factor for poor healing; tobacco use should be stopped before the operation to reduce these risks. Infection is rare after this type of surgery; to minimise this risk, patients must take pre-operative antiseptic showers at home. Overall, you should not overestimate the risks, but simply be aware that any surgical procedure, even an apparently simple one, always carries an element of uncertainty. Consulting a qualified plastic surgeon ensures that they have the training and expertise required to avoid these complications or to manage them effectively should they occur.
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