Inverted Nipple Repair

Having inverted nipples that point inwards is a relatively common condition that can be rectified by surgery. Inverted nipples are caused by shortening of the milk ducts as they come into the nipple.  Correction of the condition requires release of milk ducts. 

Inverted Nipple Repair Procedure

The surgery is performed under general/local anaesthetic and takes around 30 minutes to do.  The procedure and technique used will be depended on the degree of nipple inversion.  An incision is made around the base of the nipple and the milk ducts are devided in order to correct the protrusion of the nipple.

Inverted Nipple Repair Recovery

You will be admitted as a day case and will return home the same day.

Week 1:	Avoid strenuous activities such as lifting, aerobic exercise or jogging where the nipple area can be irritated or rubbed.  You will feel discomfort, but pain will not be severe.
Week 2:	After a week, Mr Prinsloo will remove your dressings.  The nipple will still be swollen or tender.  Mr Prinsloo will advise on the use of moisterising creams as the skin may become dry around the nipple area.
Week 3-4:	There will be even less swelling around the nipple.  You will still have some crusting.
Week 5-6:	Most of the bruising and crusting around your nipple will be gone and swelling will continue to settle over the next few months

Inverted Nipple Repair Risks

In some cases the nipple can go back inwards after surgery and you may require a second procedure. You may also experience the inability to breastfeed.

Mr Prinsloo will take all the necessary precautions to minimise the risks associated with surgery and in the majority of cases patients recover with no complications

However, no surgery is completely risk-free and Mr Prinsloo will discuss the potential complications with you during your consultation.

 

Capsular Contracture

This is the greatest risk following breast augmentation surgery (5-10%).  It is also the most common indication for having breast implants replaced.  The body always forms a layer of scar tissue (or capsule) around a breast implant.  Sometimes this scar tissue can thicken and contract (capsular contraction) to make the breast feel hard and look more rounded.  Depending on the severity of the contracture, it can cause tenderness and pain.  Further surgery can be done to correct this problem.

Capsular Contracture Procedure

Surgery is done under general anaesthetic with an overnight stay in hospital.  Surgery is usually done through the same scar.  The scar capsule around the breast implant will either be released (capsulotomy) or removed (capsulectomy). The old breast implant will be replaced with a new breast implant.

Capsular Contracture Recovery

The recovery is similar to that of breast augmentation recovery.

Capsular Contracture Risks

The risks are similar to breast augmentation surgery risks.  It is possible for capsular contracture to return.  The risk is higher in people who previously had contractures. 

 

Breast Asymmetry

Most women have a slight difference in shape and size of their breasts. In most cases it is minimal and will not be noticed by most people. In a small percentage of women it can be significant and can cause concerns and issues with self esteem. It can also make proper fitting og clothes and undergarments more difficult.

Different options to correct breast asymmetry

• Breast Augmentation in smaller breast
• Breast Reduction in bigger breast
• Bilateral Breast Augmentation
• Different sized implants in different breasts
• Breast Uplift in one or both if the nipple is in a low position
• Bilateral Breast Reduction with removal of more tissue of bigger breast

Risks and Recovery

You can find out about risks and recovery if you look at these procedures:

• Breast Augmentation
• Breast Reduction
• Breast Uplift

 

Tuberous Breasts

It is a genetic condition where the base of the breast is very narrow or constricted, creating an abnormality in the breast shape.  The breast can become cone-shaped and the nipple can be slightly domed due to the herniation of breast tissue into the areola.  Tuberous breast deformity can be mild, moderate or severe.  The grade of the procedure will usually determine the correction procedure. 

Why considering Surgery?

Tuberous breasts are not physically harmful and it doesn’t require treatment.  Some women may feel self conscious or sensitive about their tuberous breasts and may want to enquire about corrective surgery. 

The Tuberous Breast Corrective Procedure

The best surgical technique depends on the appearance of the breast tissue.  The surgical procedure will be determined by the severity of the condition and may include:

• Internal release of the constricting tissue and insertion of a breast implant (breast augmentation)
• Use of a tissue expander to gradually stretch your skin tissue
• Surgery to the areola (brown tissue around the nipple) to reduce its prominence
• Correction of the shape of the breast by removing excessive skin in order to do a breast uplift

Recovery after Tuberous Breast Corrective Surgery

You will require an overnight stay in hospital.  The recovery period is similar to that of the breast augmentation recovery.

Risks for Tuberous Breast Corrective Surgery

The risks for Tuberous Breast surgery is similar to that of breast augmentation risks and the breast uplift risks.

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