Inverted Nipple Correction

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Denver, CO

Inverted nipple correction is a procedure that restores the natural projection and protrusion of the nipples. Inverted nipples are those that retract inward into the breast rather than projecting outward. (1) While this condition is not life-threatening, it may lead to concerns such as irritation or self-consciousness. By undergoing inverted nipple correction, you can restore a more natural and projected look to your breasts while restoring your sense of self-confidence.

Dr. Lisa Hunsicker is a board-certified plastic surgeon at Revalla who has helped countless patients restore their self-comfort and confidence through their appearance. Dr. Hunsicker has established a strong reputation across the Rockies for her patient-first philosophy. No matter what concerns trouble you, Dr. Hunsicker and the Revalla team can help!

To learn more about how inverted nipple correction can benefit you, please contact us online. You may reach our Littleton office by calling (720) 283-2500.

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Before and After Photos

Inverted Nipple Correction Before & After Patient #2097
Inverted Nipple Correction Before & After Patient #2097
Inverted Nipple Correction Before & After Patient #2098
Inverted Nipple Correction Before & After Patient #2098
Inverted Nipple Correction Before & After Patient #2099
Inverted Nipple Correction Before & After Patient #2099
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About Inverted Nipple Correction

Inverted nipple correction is a procedure that can correct the appearance of nipples that retract inward. Inverted nipples can occur in both sexes and may be both congenital and acquired. Several factors that contribute to this condition include:

  • Genetics: As many as 10% to 20% of women are born with one or both nipples inverted.
  • Mammary Duct Ectasia: Hormonal changes associated with perimenopause and menopause may cause the nipples to become inverted.
  • Shortened Mammary Ducts: The mammary ducts may naturally develop shorter than normal, leading to retraction
  • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: The physical effects of pregnancy and breastfeeding can contribute to sagging and deflated breasts. This may place downward tension on them, contributing to nipple inversion.
  • Breast Surgery: Scarred or inflamed breast tissue from another surgical procedure may cause retraction.

Grades of Inversion

Inverted nipples can be classified into three grades. These are:

  • Grade I: The nipple has minimal to no fibrosis and can maintain its projection for some time.
  • Grade II: The nipples have a moderate amount of fibrosis and may retract back to their original position after being pulled out.
  • Grade III: The nipple is primarily fibrous and cannot be pulled out easily. (2)

Benefits

Inverted nipple correction offers several benefits, including:

  • Restored Projection: Dr. Hunsicker can perform an inverted nipple correction to restore a more natural nipple appearance.
  • Restored Balance: Correcting the protrusion of your nipples can improve the symmetry between the breasts. This may lead to a more harmonious appearance across the chest overall.
  • Enhanced Self-Confidence: Addressing your aesthetic concerns can improve your sense of self-confidence and body positivity.
  • Personalized Solutions: Dr. Hunsicker customizes each aspect of your procedure according to your existing nipple shape and desired outcomes to create results that flatter your natural figure.
  • Long-Lasting Results: The results of inverted nipple correction are generally permanent, which means that you will not need to worry about future retraction after you have fully recovered.
  • Short Recovery Time: You may return to non-strenuous activities as soon as 1 day after your procedure, which is much quicker compared to other interventions.

Candidates

You may be an ideal candidate for inverted nipple correction if one or both of your nipples retract inward and you wish to correct them. You may also benefit from this procedure if your inverted nipples are a source of physical discomfort, soreness, or irritation.

To qualify for this procedure, you should be in good general health and maintain realistic expectations regarding your results. You should have completed having children and no longer be breastfeeding. You should also lead a nicotine-free life or be willing to quit smoking. Dr. Hunsicker will assess your candidacy during your consultation.

Personal Consultation

Your journey will begin with a personal consultation. During this meeting, Dr. Hunsicker will explain what inverted nipple correction consists of, review your medical history, and learn about your aesthetic goals. She will verify that your mammogram is current and may order bloodwork or other tests to ensure your readiness for surgery. She will also perform a physical evaluation to assess your natural breast structure, skin quality, and existing nipple appearance.

Dr. Hunsicker will then use this information to finalize your candidacy and create a treatment plan that suits your needs. She will determine the surgical techniques to use and may recommend pairing your procedure with another for elevated results. She will also take the time to answer any questions you have. After this point, you will be able to book your pre-operative consultation and procedure date.

If you are ready to schedule and attend this consultation with Dr. Hunsicker, please contact us online or call (720) 283-2500 to reach the front desk of our Littleton office.

Preparation

After you schedule your procedure, Dr. Hunsicker will provide you with detailed preparation instructions. These may vary according to the root cause of your concerns, the details of your treatment plan, and your lifestyle habits, but they generally include:

  • Avoiding Certain Medications: Discontinue taking any medications or supplements with blood-thinning properties.
  • Arranging Time Away: Make preparations to take a brief period away from your professional and personal responsibilities.
  • Coordinating Transportation: Prepare transportation home from work, as you may not be able to drive yourself.
  • Preparing for Recovery: Pick up any medications you will need and create a comfortable recovery space at home.
  • Stopping Substance Use: If applicable, please stop consuming any nicotine or alcohol in the weeks before your procedure.

Procedure

You should arrive at our office at least 30 minutes early to give yourself time to check in. Once you are set, a member of the Revalla team will lead you to a private room to cleanse your skin and administer local anesthesia. Dr. Hunsicker will then make incisions to access underlying nipple structures and proceed to perform your corrections. She will carefully release the mammary ducts that may be contributing to your retraction. If your inversion is more severe, she will also remove excess tissue or place a Galashape absorbable scaffold beneath the nipple to maintain its new shape. She will then close each incision once she has achieved your corrections. Certain patients also opt to have their nipples pierced to hold them outward, although this approach is less popular.

Nonsurgical Inverted Nipple Correction

Dr. Hunsicker can also correct inverted nipples without surgical intervention. This approach uses small suction devices called nipplets, which are placed on the nipples to coax the nipple outward and stretch the lactiferous ducts. Many patients have found this device to be comfortable, and it allows you to continue breastfeeding over time. (3)

Recovery

To help enhance your recovery process, Dr. Hunsicker has adopted the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol. This process consists of multiple steps that can help you return to your routine sooner and more safely. During your pre-operative consultation, Dr. Hunsicker will provide you with a detailed set of written directions.

After your procedure, you will need to take a short period of time to allow your body to heal. You may initially expect some swelling, bruising, or general discomfort around the treated regions. These effects will dissipate on their own with time. We recommend that you start moving around as soon as possible. Depending on your personal pain tolerance and how quickly you recover, you may return to desk work and light activities as soon as you feel comfortable. For many patients, this is as soon as 1 day after their procedure. However, you should avoid anything more demanding or arduous for another 2 weeks, or until Dr. Hunsicker has cleared you to return. She will also have you wear a dressing over the treated regions throughout your entire recovery process to protect the healing tissue.

Results

You may notice improvements immediately after your procedure, but the full results of your inverted nipple correction will become more apparent as any residual swelling subsides. While individual results will vary, you can expect your nipples to protrude outward normally and contribute to a more projected, symmetrical, and proportionate chest overall.

The results of inverted nipple correction typically yield permanent results. This means that you may enjoy the renewed appearance of your breasts without worrying about future inversion or retraction.

Cost of Inverted Nipple Correction in Denver, Colorado

The pricing of your inverted nipple correction will vary depending on each aspect of your treatment, such as the surgical techniques being used and the extent of your procedure overall. Once Dr. Hunsicker has met with you to discuss these details, she will provide you with a comprehensive cost estimate.

For more information about our pricing, please contact us online or call (720) 283-2500.

FAQ

What causes inverted nipples?

Nipple inversion can arise from several factors, such as breast surgery, mammary duct ectasia, shortened mammary ducts, pregnancy and breastfeeding, or genetics. During your consultation, Dr. Hunsicker can help you determine the root cause of your inverted nipples and create a treatment plan to address it.

Will I be able to breastfeed after undergoing inverted nipple correction?

Your ability to breastfeed may be impacted or eliminated depending on the techniques Dr. Hunsicker performs. If you have plans to breastfeed, you may want to delay your procedure.

How long will it take to recover after inverted nipple correction?

Depending on how you feel, you may return to desk work and non-strenuous activities as soon as 1 day after your procedure. However, cardio, weightlifting, and other demanding tasks should be avoided for approximately 2 weeks or until Dr. Hunsicker has cleared you to return.

How long will the results of my inverted nipple correction last?

In most cases, the results of inverted nipple correction are permanent. This means that you will not need to return for any further procedures once you have fully recovered.

What type of anesthesia will Dr. Hunsicker use during the procedure?

Dr. Hunsicker typically uses local anesthesia when performing inverted nipple corrections, but she can discuss each of your numbing options with you during your consultation.

References

  1. Mangialardi ML, Baldelli I, Salgarello M, Raposio E. Surgical Correction of Inverted Nipples. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2020;8(7):e2971. doi:10.1097/gox.0000000000002971
  2. Nagaraja Rao D, Winters R. Inverted Nipple. PubMed. 2022. Accessed September 10, 2026. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563190/
  3. McGeorge D D. The “Niplette”: an instrument for the non-surgical correction of inverted nipples. Br J Plast Surg. 1994;47(1):46-49. doi:10.1016/0007-1226(94)90117-1