Women seek corrective surgery for nipples that are retracted (inverted) or too prominent. These are problems that can be easily corrected under local anesthesia in our office.
Women with inverted nipples actually have nipples, but they are pulled below the level of the areola by breast ducts that are too short. The most effective operation to correct this is to sever the ducts and splint the nipple in an out-position. Because the ducts are severed, this surgery would make future breastfeeding impossible. Consequently, women who plan to breastfeed should wait until they are done with childbearing to have this procedure. The sexual sensation to the nipple is preserved.
Nipple reduction removes skin to decrease the projection of the nipple. This can be done in a manner that preserves the ducts and allows future breastfeeding. The nipple sensation is generally preserved.