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Inverted Nipples Correction

Typically, fixing inverted nipples is a cosmetic issue, but the condition can cause emotional and sometimes physical consequences. Inverted nipples correction surgery is a simple procedure that delivers excellent results when you rely on the plastic surgeons at New York Breast Surgery Center with two locations in NYC. Call today to schedule a consultation for this life-affirming procedure.

Table of contents

    What Is Inverted Nipple Surgery?

    An inverted nipple, also called a flat or turned-in nipple, is a condition where the nipple points inward rather than protruding outward. Inverted nipple surgery is an outpatient surgical breast procedure that addresses this condition. By surgically releasing the fibrous tissues that pull the nipple inward, the procedure allows it to protrude outward naturally.

    At New York Breast Surgery Center, the experienced Dr. David Shokrian and the board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Mohamed Soliman Ahmed Elfar specialize in aesthetic and reconstructive breast procedures. They offer personalized nipple reconstruction and correction services to help you reach your aesthetic goals.

    What Causes the Need for Inverted Nipple Treatment?

    Your nipples are attached to your milk ducts to allow breastfeeding. In cases of inverted nipples, short or tight milk ducts force your nipples inwards. Clinical studies on inverted nipples estimate that 10 to 20 percent of the general population may have congenital inverted nipples, with 87 percent of those bilateral and 57 percent familial. Congenital inverted nipples are genetic and present from birth.

    Inverted nipples can also occur later in life. Referred to as acquired inverted nipples, it appears during the breastfeeding stage. The changes in the milk ducts could cause the nipples to turn inward or completely flatten. Previous breast surgeries — such as breast reduction or breast augmentation — may cause nipple trauma that requires inverted nipple treatment.

    “I’ve seen the inverted nipple condition in both men and women,” says Dr. Shokrian. “But while the condition is present in both genders, it’s more challenging for women because it causes difficulties during breastfeeding. It may also be an indication of a more serious underlying condition, which is another reason to seek treatment.”

    Are There Different Grades of Inverted Nipples?

    Before a corrective surgical procedure, you must attend a consultation, where a NYC breast plastic surgery expert diagnoses your inverted nipples into one of three categories. Your surgeon can then determine an appropriate treatment plan. The three grades of inverted nipples include:

    1. Grade I inverted nipples, known as shy nipples, have minimal or no fibrosis and can protrude naturally with minimal manipulation.
    2. Grade II nipple inversion requires more manipulation for your nipple to protrude, but it retracts back soon afterward.
    3. Grade III nipple inversion is noticeable because your nipples can’t even be coaxed out manually. These nipples require inverted nipple treatment to improve their appearance and functionality.

    “With Grade III nipples, women often experience a variety of related problems,” explains Dr. Shokrian. “You may have difficulty breastfeeding or suffer from rashes, sore nipples and in some cases, recurrent mastitis. A surgical solution is available, so come see us.”

    What Surgical Techniques Address Inverted Nipple Surgery?

    The specific surgical techniques for inverted nipples correction surgery depend on the severity and your plans for breastfeeding. There are two types of inverted nipple surgical correction, including:

    • Milk duct-sparing surgery. If you have mild flat nipples, but want to retain the possibility of breastfeeding, your expert breast plastic surgeon releases the fibrous tissue holding your nipples back and stretches the milk ducts to protrude the nipple outward. In this procedure, your milk ducts remain attached to your nipples.
    • Milk duct-damaging surgery. This technique is mostly used for Grade III nipple inversion, where there’s no other way of protruding your nipples. This procedure requires your surgeon to cut the shorter milk ducts and the fibrous tissue that was bringing the nipple inward. Afterward, you can no longer breastfeed.

    “Before starting your inverted nipple treatment,” says Dr. Shokrian, “I discuss the goals with you and explain the recovery process. If you plan on having children in the future and want to breastfeed, I do my best to preserve your milk ducts. Whenever possible, I perform the milk duct-sparing nipple correction surgery.”

    How Does Inverted Nipple Surgery Work?

    Inverted nipple surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that lasts 30 to 60 minutes while you’re under local anesthesia only. After administering the anesthesia, your NYC plastic surgeon makes an incision at the lower border of your areola, known as a peri-areolar incision.

    Your surgeon releases the fibrous tissue or the shortened milk ducts that hold your nipple inward, either through milk-duct sparing or milk-duct-damaging surgery, as agreed upon. Then he lifts the nipple and areolar tissue and closes off the incision with dissolvable stitches. You can review past inverted nipples correction surgeries in the before-and-after photos at New York Breast Surgery Center.

    Am I a Candidate for Inverted Nipple Treatment in New York City?

    Inverted nipple treatment is not suitable for everyone. You’re considered an ideal candidate for inverted nipple surgery if you:

    • Have one or two inverted nipples
    • Struggle with breastfeeding
    • Can maintain proper hygiene
    • Want to improve the appearance of your breasts

    Dr. Shokrian adds, “After a thorough evaluation of your nipples at your consultation, I can determine the best approach for your body and your goals, based on your nipple anatomy and your degree of nipple inversion.”

    Can I Combine Inverted Nipples Correction Treatment with Other Breast Treatments?

    Adding other breast treatments while you undergo an inverted nipple treatment isn’t uncommon. If your breasts sag or you want to add volume to your breasts — besides fixing your inverted nipples — Dr. Shokrian recommends the most appropriate approach or a combination of two surgeries, such as:

    • Breast lift. While you’re in for the nipple inversion surgery, ask your NYC plastic surgeon about getting a breast lift as well. Both procedures complement each other, and you can choose a traditional lift, a breast lift with implants or a scarless breast lift to improve your overall breast shape.
    • Areola reduction. Areolas are the dark, pigmented circles around your nipples. In some women, the pigmented area is larger than usual, making you feel uncomfortable about their size. An areola reduction procedure is as simple as an inverted nipples correction, so if appropriate, your surgeon recommends combining the two.
    • Nipple enlargement. You may find that, after Inverted nipple procedure, your nipples are smaller than you thought they’d be. Combining your procedure with a nipple enlargement is an effective pairing. This combination safely addresses the inversion and size in a single surgery to release the milk ducts and add volume for natural breast aesthetics.

    According to published clinical studies on aesthetic breast surgery, combining multiple treatments during a single operation is a well-established practice. At New York Breast Surgery Center in Midtown Manhattan and Great Neck, Long Island, an experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Shokrian or Dr. Elfar evaluates your anatomy and skin laxity before recommending the ideal combination of treatments to satisfy your goals.

    What Does Inverted Nipple Surgery Cost in New York City?

    The inverted nipple surgery cost in New York City varies, depending on several factors, such as:

    • The anesthesia and anesthesiologist’s fees
    • Pre- and post-operative care costs
    • Your goals and requirements
    • The complexity of your procedure
    • Additional surgeries, such as nipple or breast reconstruction

    Since inverted nipples correction is often classified as cosmetic surgery, your insurance only covers the costs of the procedure if there’s a documented medical necessity — for example, if you suffer recurring inflammation, if the inversion is the result of a physical injury or if it’s due to breast cancer.

    While New York Breast Surgery Center is out-of-network for insurance companies, their team works with you to find out-of-network coverage and financing options to help you cover the expenses. During your consultation, you learn the complete breakdown of your inverted nipple surgery cost.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Have questions about inverted nipple correction? Find answers to some of the most common questions below.

    Clinical studies suggest nipple inversion affects 10 to 20 percent of the general population. Mostly women have the condition, but men get it too.

    No, inverted nipple surgery isn’t painful. Once the local anesthesia wears off, your nipples may feel sensitive when touched, but there’s no pain.

    You must wait until you’re at least 18 years of age to get inverted nipple surgery. Your NYC breast surgery experts require that your breasts have finished maturing, which helps you achieve the best permanent results.

    Yes, the results from the treatment of inverted nipples are permanent.

    Yes, men can have inverted nipples, and the treatment works for them too.

    The answer depends on your diagnosis. Grade III nipple inversion requires the milk duct-destroying technique, which prohibits you from future breastfeeding. Otherwise, you can choose the milk duct-sparing surgery, which preserves your milk ducts, ensuring that you’ll be able to breastfeed following the surgery.

    Your recovery period is short. You can most likely return to light daily activities one to two days following the procedure. Full healing and the ability to resume strenuous activities take about six weeks.

    Yes, nipple sensation may change after inverted nipple treatment, but the numbness goes away after you heal completely.

    Dr. Elfar is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 34 years of experience in plastic surgery, specializing in both cosmetic and reconstructive breast procedures. Dr. Shokrian is a bona fide plastic surgeon with expertise in breast and body contouring. Both offer targeted procedures tailored to help you reach your goals.

    New York Breast Surgery Center is a safe, respected practice for advanced individualized breast and inverted nipple surgery. Their surgeons employ established principles of aesthetic breast surgery to address the severity of your nipple inversion. Schedule a consultation for inverted nipple surgery at New York Breast Surgery Center in Manhattan or Long Island today.

    New York Breast Surgery Center
    56 West 45th Street, Ste 401B
    New York, NY 10036
    (929) 225-8734
    Medically Reviewed on July 24, 2026 by Dr. Shokrian (Plastic Surgeon) of New York Breast Surgery Center of New York
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