BeforeAfter
Tuberous breasts, ergonomic implants 285 ccGlandular bipartition, areolar plasty
Procedure 08
Nipple and areola surgery
An inverted nipple is corrected with a short procedure, often under local anaesthesia, with no time off work. A frequent concern that is rarely mentioned.
- Duration
- 45 min
- Anaesthesia
- Local or general
- Stay
- Day case
- Recovery
- 5 days
Figures confirmed by the surgeon; they vary from case to case and are specified in consultation.
The essentials
The four questions that come up
- What is an inverted nipple?
- An abnormal retraction of the nipple, which is little or not developed. It may be reducible by pressure, or completely buried.
- Why does it happen?
- The defect is linked to the shortness of the milk ducts of the breast, which open into the nipple: too short, they prevent it from protruding.
- What does the operation involve?
- Dividing the shortened ducts to release them, through an incision in the nipple. It is performed under local or general anaesthesia. External retaining sutures secure the result after ten days.
- What is the recovery like?
- Convalescence lasts ten days and no time off work is necessary. Breastfeeding may become possible after one year.
The inverted nipple
This is an abnormal retraction of the nipple, which is little or not developed. It may be reducible by pressure, or completely buried.
This defect causes self-consciousness and becomes a nuisance in intimate situations or when wearing close-fitting clothes. Functionally, it of course interferes with breastfeeding.
A concern rarely mentioned
It is a frequent and benign malformation, but few patients know that it can be corrected with a short procedure, under local anaesthesia, with no time off work.
Why it happens
The defect is linked to the shortness of the milk ducts of the breast, which open into the nipple.
These ducts, too short, exert a permanent inward pull and prevent the nipple from protruding. It is this shortness that the operation corrects: it does not alter the skin, it releases what holds the nipple back.
The treatment
The treatment, performed under local or general anaesthesia, involves dividing the shortened ducts to release them, through an incision in the nipple.
External retaining sutures secure the result after ten days. They hold the nipple in its everted position while healing fixes the result obtained.
The incision is made in the nipple itself, an area whose relief and pigmentation naturally conceal the scar.
Recovery and result
Convalescence lasts ten days. No time off work is necessary.
Results are often good, sometimes incomplete in poorly developed nipples. Breastfeeding may become possible after one year.
What the operation does not promise
In very underdeveloped nipples, the eversion obtained may remain partial. The clinical examination makes it possible to say what result to expect, and a partial recurrence remains possible.
Areola reduction
Dr Azencot performs isolated reduction of the areola diameter, without an associated breast lift.
Areolas may be unsightly and call for an isolated correction. This concerns either asymmetries in diameter, or areolar protrusion — an areola that is too wide and domed — as seen in tuberous breasts.
It may also follow breast surgery, with widening of the areolas and of the scars.
The operation is performed under local or general anaesthesia. Recovery is simple: 3 to 5 days, with no time off work.
Frequently asked questions
What patients ask
These answers reflect the content written and validated by the surgeon. Each one is written to stand alone, question by question.
Is the operation painful?
It is performed under local or general anaesthesia. Convalescence lasts ten days and no time off work is necessary.
Will I be able to breastfeed afterwards?
Breastfeeding may become possible after one year. An inverted nipple specifically interferes with breastfeeding, and the operation removes that obstacle.
Where will the scar be?
The incision is made in the nipple itself: its relief and pigmentation naturally conceal the scar.
What are the retaining sutures for?
They hold the nipple everted during healing. They are external sutures, and they secure the result after ten days.
Is the result always complete?
Results are often good, sometimes incomplete in poorly developed nipples. The clinical examination makes it possible to say what result to expect.
Are both sides treated together?
The defect may be one-sided or two-sided. When both nipples are concerned, they are treated in the same operation.
Gallery
Areola surgery, before and after
Areolar plasty carried out by Dr Azencot during the same operation as a tuberous breast correction, photographed before and after, in front and three-quarter views. Drag to compare.
BeforeAfter
Tuberous breasts, ergonomic implants 285 ccAnother view
Photographs for information only — neither a commitment nor a guarantee of result. Every situation is unique and assessed in consultation.
Meet us
Consultation
A first consultation is there to understand your request and tell you what is possible — including when the answer is that it is better to do nothing.
Clinique Esthétique Ferrère
16 ter rue Ferrère
33000 Bordeaux
ConsultationsBy appointment, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 6 pm
Quotegiven in consultation
Cooling-off period15 days minimum
In cosmetic surgery, French law requires a detailed written quote and a cooling-off period of at least fifteen days between the consultation and the operation. No deposit may be requested during that period. Two consultations are required before any operation.
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