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Inverted Nipple Correction

An inverted nipple is a common condition that causes significant self-consciousness for many patients — and one that is straightforwardly correctable through a minor procedure under local anaesthetic.

Inverted nipples are caused by shortened milk ducts that tether the nipple inward rather than allowing it to project naturally. The condition typically develops post-puberty as breast tissue develops faster than the ducts. It ranges in severity: some nipples protrude in certain conditions (Grade 1), others briefly protrude before reverting (Grade 2), and some remain permanently inverted (Grade 3).

Mr Matthew Potter corrects inverted nipples permanently through a minor local anaesthetic procedure, with an exceptionally low revision rate and immediate return to normal activities.
Book a Consultation

Why Mr Potter

Minor day case procedure under local anaesthetic

Exceptionally rare need for revision

Immediate return to normal activities

PHIN patient satisfaction score: 99%

PHIN is an independent government audit of consultant patient outcomes, randomly sampling post-operative patients. A 99% satisfaction score places Mr Potter among the highest-rated plastic surgeons in the country.

Understanding Inverted Nipples

Grade 1 — nipple protrudes in certain conditions (cold, stimulation) but inverts at rest; can sometimes be corrected through non-surgical stretching techniques

Grade 2 — nipple briefly protrudes then quickly reverts; usually requires surgery for permanent correction

Grade 3 — nipple remains permanently inverted; surgery is the standard approach

Grades of inversion

Grade 1 inversions can sometimes be resolved through gradual stretching using suction cups applied daily over an extended period. Mr Potter will advise whether this is appropriate for your grade of inversion before recommending surgery.

Non-surgical options

Patient Imagery

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DS-post-op-nipple-release-
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Inverted-Nipple-Correction-Patient-1-Pre-Op
Inverted-Nipple-Correction-Patient-1-Post-Op
Inverted-Nipple-Correction-Patient-2-Pre-Op
Inverted-Nipple-Correction-Patient-2-Post-Op

Your Recovery

What to Expect

Recovery from inverted nipple correction is minimal. The dressings will begin to peel after a few days and can be trimmed at home. The review appointment at seven days is at your original hospital where tapes will be removed.

Recovery Timeline

Day 1 onwards – Normal activities resumed; shower daily with dressing removable

Days 1–2 – Oral pain relief as needed

Days 3–5 – Dressings begin to peel; trim at home

7 days – Review appointment; tapes removed at original hospital

2 weeks – Moderate exercise and activity from this point

3 weeks – Review with Mr Potter to assess progress

Ongoing – Successive follow-up appointments until fully settled

Do's & Don'ts

  • Wear a supportive soft bra to minimise trauma to the area for at least two weeks
  • Shower daily; dressing can be removed to allow washing then replaced
  • Moderate exercise and activity for at least two weeks to prevent local irritation
  • Avoid strenuous exercise for 2 weeks
  • Sleep on your back during the initial post-operative period
  • Do not smoke until Mr Potter confirms at follow-up that all is healing well — smoking impairs wound healing and increases the risk of complications
  • Do not drive until you can safely perform an emergency manoeuvre

The Procedure

Surgical correction of an inverted nipple is performed in a minor operating theatre under local anaesthetic. A topical anaesthetic cream is applied to the area first to limit the discomfort of the local anaesthetic injection. The procedure takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes per side.

Once the nipple is fully anaesthetised, it is brought to its protracted position. Two small incisions are made at the base of the nipple and the shortened ducts are divided, releasing the tether that holds the nipple inverted. The nipple is then sutured internally at its base to maintain its position. Absorbable sutures are used throughout.

A small doughnut-style dressing is applied around the nipple to protect the operative site — discreet enough to wear under normal clothing and removable for daily showering.

You will be discharged with oral pain relief, though most patients find it is only needed for around two days. You should be able to return to normal activities immediately following the procedure.
Mr Potter will discuss all risks in detail during your consultation. This is a minor procedure with a low risk profile.
Risks associated with inverted nipple correction include:
  • Infection — can manifest as redness, discharge, pain or temperature; uncommon; the dressing and aftercare regime is designed to minimise this; oral antibiotics may be prescribed where the nipple is ulcerated
  • Scarring — incisions are small and placed at the base of the nipple; healing well in most cases; hypertrophic or keloid scarring is rare and more likely in patients with a previous history of abnormal scarring
  • Swelling and bruising — expected; settles within a week
  • Altered or loss of nipple sensation — most patients notice altered sensation following surgery; this is likely to settle over time; rarely, increased or permanently reduced sensation occurs
  • Recurrence of inversion — rare; if recurrence occurs in the short term it may settle, or may require discussion of further surgery; Mr Potter’s outcome data reflects an exceptionally low revision rate
  • Permanent loss of breast feeding from the operated side — the procedure involves dividing the ducts, which affects the ability to breast feed on that side; this should be considered carefully before proceeding
  • Over or underdone correction — Mr Potter will discuss realistic expectations during consultation
  • Appearance not meeting expectations — the final appearance of the nipple may not be exactly as anticipated; Mr Potter will discuss what is and is not achievable during consultation
  • Haematoma — if the area becomes more painful or distended after the procedure, contact the hospital for review; blood clot removal may be required
  • Loss of the nipple or areolar complex — exceptionally rare
  • Further procedures — where any adjustments are needed, Mr Potter and his hospital teams are happy to facilitate further surgery

What Patients Say

To one of the best doctors – thanks you for all you have done.
I wish to thank you and your team sincerely for the hard work you all put in yesterday and I really appreciated your care and gentleness.
Many thanks for correcting an area of my body that has caused me embarrassment and concern. I have no scars and have healed better than expected. Thanks also for your clear pre operative explanations and the care taken under local anaesthetic in theatre.
I would like you to know how much I appreciate the exemplary care I received during my stay.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes an inverted nipple?

Inverted nipples are caused by milk ducts that are shorter than normal, tethering the nipple inward. The condition typically develops post-puberty and ranges in severity from Grade 1 (nipple protrudes occasionally) to Grade 3 (permanently inverted).

Grade 1 inversions can sometimes be resolved through gradual stretching using suction cups over an extended period. Grade 2 and 3 inversions generally require surgery for permanent correction. Mr Potter will advise on the most appropriate approach for your grade of inversion.

The surgical procedure involves dividing the ducts that tether the nipple, which affects the ability to breast feed from the operated side. Patients who wish to breast feed in future should consider this carefully before proceeding — Mr Potter will discuss it in detail during consultation.

A topical anaesthetic cream is applied before the local anaesthetic injection to minimise discomfort. The nipple is fully anaesthetised before the procedure begins. Most patients report no significant pain during or after surgery. Normal activities can be resumed immediately.

Scarring is minimal. Incisions are small and placed at the base of the nipple. Hypertrophic or keloid scarring is rare and most likely in patients with a previous history of abnormal scarring. Most patients report that scarring is not a concern.

Most patients notice some altered sensation following surgery. This typically settles over time. Rarely, increased or permanently reduced sensation occurs. Mr Potter will discuss this during consultation.

At the Manor Hospital in Oxford, Ridgeway Hospital in Swindon, Stratum Clinic in Wootton Oxfordshire, ProDerm in Cheltenham, and Interface Business Park in Royal Wootton Bassett.

Book a Consultation

Contact us if you have any health concerns or are looking to get a consultation. You can contact Matthew Potter by using the form below or contact him through one of the available telephone numbers or email addresses listed on this page.

Private Secretary & All Correspondence

T. 07917 965717

Swindon - Ridgeway Hospital

T. 01793 814848

Cheltenham - ProDerm, Festival House

T. 0800 0489230

Oxfordshire - Stratum Clinic,
Wootton Business Park

T. 01865 320790

Wiltshire - Interface Business Park, Royal Wootton Bassett

T: 0808 2803560

Oxford - The Manor Hospital

T. 01865 307777

Contact Lissie on 07917 965717 or use the form below.