All about inverted nipple correction surgery in Korea

Do you know that at least 10~20% of the female population has flat or inverted nipples? If you don’t know what’s an inverted nipple, it refers to a nipple that is retracted into the breasts instead of the usual protrusion on the areola. This can happen to one or both of your nipples.

Many consider having inverted nipples unattractive, and in many cases, they can even cause functionality and hygiene problems. Futhermore, depending on the degree of retraction, you could face challenges in breastfeeding and have an increased risk of infection or inflammation of the breasts. So if you have inverted nipples, you should fix it. Here’s what you should know before getting an inverted nipple correction surgery in Korea.

What is the ideal size for nipples?

Aesthetically, the width (diameter) of your nipples should be 8~10mm and the height should be 6~8mm.

If you have nipples which are severely inverted, there could be a limit to how much correction can be done on your nipples. That said, even if you cannot get the ideal nipple size, at least you can correct those inverted nipples.

Potential implications of inverted nipples

For majority of patients, having inverted nipples are mostly due to genetics. Despite inverted nipples looking unattractive, they can actually causes certain functionality and sanitary problems as well. Such problems include:

• Nipple discharges and secretions trapped in your nipples
• Difficulty in breastfeeding (sometimes not a problem as your baby can latch over the entire areola)
• High risk of breast inflammations and infections
• Loss of the nipple’s function as an erogenous zone

What is inverted nipple correction surgery?

An inverted nipple is the result of the nipple being pulled into the breast due to the lack of supporting tissues and having mammary ducts that are too short. The inverted nipple surgery is a cosmetic surgery which can correct the retracted nipple by pulling it out and restoring its protrusion on the areola.

The goal of the procedure is to improve the appearance of the nipple and allow it to become erect. If you have inverted nipples, benefits of undergoing the inverted nipple correction surgery will help:

• Reduce infections and inflammations of the lactiferous ducts (mammary ducts)
• Solves breastfeeding problems (depending on the method used and degree of inversion)
• Restores functionality of nipples as an erogenous zone
• Eliminates sanitary problems caused by nipple discharges and secretions
• Better hygiene for your breasts
• Increased self-esteem and body confidence

Inverted nipple correction surgery procedure

1. If your nipples are slightly inverted:

Your surgeon will first make an incision on both sides of your nipple. Then the tissues which are pulling in your nipples will be elongated. In addition, surrounding tissues are strengthened to prevent the nipple from falling back in. This method preserves the mammary ducts, so your ability to breastfeed remains.

2. If your nipples are severely inverted:

Your surgeon will first pull out the inverted nipple and make an incision directly on it. Then the tissues which are pulling in your nipples will be cut and sutured. This method does not allow for preservation of the the mammary ducts but does allow for more projection and protrusion of the nipples.

How long does inverted nipple correction surgery take?

Inverted nipple surgery in Korea is a comparatively fast and simple procedure which lasts 30 mins. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia so you won’t feel any pain.

When can I see results?

Results from inverted nipple correction surgery are almost immediate and permanent, though there will be minor swelling for 1~2 weeks. Your nipples will be taped up after the surgery and removed when your stitches are removed. Leave the tape on until instructed as it helps prevent further swelling and keeps the position of your new nipples. You will also be given an ointment to be applied on the scars for 3~4 days after the stitches are removed.

Actual recovery time vary among individuals, and is subjected to one’s health condition & healing response.

How long should I stay in Korea?

Inverted nipple surgery in Korea is a minor surgery so hospitalization is not required. But do stay until your stitches are removed, and go shopping in the meantime!

Stitch removal

Stitches are usually removed 7 days after surgery.

Cautions on stitch removal

If you remove the stitches earlier then advised, your wound might reopen. Hence, causing an infection. But if you remove it too late, you risk further scarring and pigmentation. So, keep to all dates diligently.

Sometimes, some patients might want to have their stitches removed at the local hospitals in their home country due to time constraints.

Although that is possible (but not recommended), it very much depends on how well you have been healing, and is also subjected to doctor’s approval.

Alternatives to inverted nipple correction surgery

Sadly, there are no other alternatives to inverted nipple surgery. But inverted nipple surgery is a pretty minor surgery so don’t worry too much.

What other surgery complements inverted nipple correction surgery?

1. Breast augmentation

If you are unsatisfied with your current breast size or perhaps your breast size is too small for your body, why not consider breast augmentation at the same time?

2. Breast reduction surgery

Having breasts that are too large present health problems such as body aches and drooping breasts. If your breasts are too large for your body, you should consider breast reduction surgery as well.

3. Breast lift

If your breasts are sagging and losing their firmness, consider a breast lift surgery to reshape and lift them for a firmer, rounder and younger look.

4. Areola reduction surgery

Comparative to your breast size, if the size of your areola is too large for your breast, you may want to consider areola reduction surgery.

5. Nipple reduction surgery

If the size of your nipples are too large for your breast size, do consider undergoing nipple reduction surgery at the same time.

Conclusion

Apart from the size of breasts, the shape and appearance of nipples actually play a huge part in the aesthetics of the breasts. In other words, having inverted nipples makes your breasts look less attractive and peculiar. Not to mention, inverted nipples are also unable to function properly as an erogenous zone and are prone to breast infections and inflammations.

So if you have inverted nipples, we highly recommend that you fix it. Moreover, if you are stressed and losing your body confidence over it, the more the reason to get inverted nipple correction surgery.