CaRi-heart technology
Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
Correction of inverted (turned inward) nipple
HCA UK experts explain how a simple surgical procedure can help to correct the appearance of inverted or flat nipples.
About
All breasts and nipples vary in appearance, but for some women, their nipples are inverted.
There are different grades of inverted nipples, ranging from those that are slightly flat or inverted and will protrude for some time when stimulated, to more severe cases that do not protrude at all.
In these cases, a simple surgical procedure can help.
Need to know
Sometimes the breast’s milk ducts are too short or the milk ducts' tissue is too tight. This can result in the pull of the milk ducts being stronger than the nipple’s muscle which leads to inversion.
Inverted nipples are very common and is thought to affect up to 10% of women. While many women with mild symptoms are happy to live with this, more severe cases can cause embarrassment and also make it difficult to breastfeed.
A simple surgical procedure can put this right. It involves releasing or partially dividing the breast ducts by making an incision and drawing the nipple out.
The treatment will usually be carried out under local anaesthetic, where you remain awake but don’t feel any pain as anaesthetic is used to numb the breast area. It usually takes between 30 minutes and two hours.
The surgery involves making a small cut under your nipple to free it from surrounding tissue. Stitches are then used to secure it into a protruding position.
Your consultant will tell you how to prepare for your procedure. As with all surgeries, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you and answer any questions you may have.
You will be able to go home on the same day. You may experience some bruising, swelling and discomfort, and will be given painkillers to help with this.
Recovery is usually quick, but it’s a good idea to avoid strenuous activities and exercise for a short period.
Self-funding
Paying for medical treatment
You don't need medical insurance to have fast access to our top consultants, extensive range of treatments, diagnostic tests and surgical procedures at our leading facilities.
Our Nipple correction locations
Devonshire Diagnostic Centre
13-19 Devonshire Street Marylebone W1G 7AF London
City of London - 31 Old Broad Street
City of London 31 Old Broad Street EC2N 1HT London
Chelsea Outpatients
280 King's Road SW3 5AW London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Christie Private Care
Wilmslow Road M20 4BX Manchester
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place St John's Wood NW8 9LE London
The Wilmslow Hospital
52-54 Alderley Road Wilmslow SK9 1NY Cheshire
Patient stories
Hear from past patients about their experience
Alan's story
Despite years of experiencing heart problems that just wouldn’t go away, Alan was apprehensive about having a surgical procedure. But with the expertise of his consultant and the latest cardiac technology, he decided to go ahead.
Andrew's story
“I couldn’t move my legs at all, and my arms only partially. But now I can walk six miles. I wouldn’t have got that without the physio team at The Christie Private Care, I simply wouldn’t have.”
How a second opinion helped uncover a hidden cardiac problem
Former Olympic swimmer, Adrian, was used to prioritising his physical wellbeing and continued to exercise regularly, keeping him in good health into his 60s. But when he got out of the pool one day, he noticed that something wasn’t right.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.