Overview Procedure Before/After FeesConsent FormRecovery Consultants Testimonials Frequently Asked Questions
An inverted nipple is a nipple that points inwards towards the breast rather than pointing outwards. Inverted nipples are relatively common, affecting around 20% of both men and women. One or both sides may be affected. Although the problem is mainly cosmetic, in some women it can affect their ability to breastfeed.
Some nipples are usually inverted, but can be stimulated sexually or when they become cold. Others may be permanently inverted. Inverted nipples may also be 'flat', where they neither protrude or invert from the areola.
Inverted nipples usually develop during puberty and are the result of short milk ducts. If you have had an inverted nipple since puberty, there is unlikely to be an underlying medical problem. Sometimes the natural drooping of the breasts can cause nipple inversion if the milk ducts do not stretch fast enough.
Inverted nipples can also be caused by breastfeeding, breast infections, trauma or breast cancer, and some cases patients may be born with the condition.
However, if this has happened more recently without reason, you should see your GP straight away. There may be an underlying condition that needs treatment.
You may wish to consider inverted nipple surgery to correct your inverted nipples if they cause issues with your self-esteem or confidence. Nipple inversion correction is usually purely cosmetic, but this does not detract from the importance of the procedure.
Nipples come in all shapes and sizes and there is no right or wrong shape. Protruding nipples are considered aesthetically desirable, but apart from allowing for breastfeeding, there is no medical reason to correct inverted nipples.
The primary function of the nipples is to allow for breastfeeding. Typically, all nipples will become more prominent throughout pregnancy, and may enable some inverted nipples to correct themselves naturally.
Nipple eversion devices can use suction and vibration to stimulate the nipples and promote eversion. These can be viable for less serious nipple inversion, but will typically not give permanent results.
Breastfeeding cannot be guaranteed after inverted nipple surgery because the milk ducts will usually be cut during surgery and will no longer be intact.
If your main concern is breastfeeding, nipple eversion devices are the best first option.
40 minutes for both nipples
Local Anaesthetic or Twilight Sedation
Daycase (no overnight stay)
1 day
Bruising, swelling, temporary numbness
Infection, bad scarring, asymmetry, bleeding, permanent numbness, nipple loss, delayed wound healing, reinversion.
1 week and 3 months (after surgery)
1 day
2 weeks post-op - walking, 4 weeks post-op - jogging, 6 weeks post-op - everything
12 weeks until final result. Scars continue to improve over 18 months
Surgery for inverted nipples is a relatively simple procedure. A cut is usually made directly over the nipple so that it is free from the surrounding tissue and re-stitch it so that it protrudes.
The procedure is usually carried out under local anaesthesia, which means the area will be numb but you will be awake or general anaesthesia, when you will be asleep during the procedure. You will usually be able to go home later the same day, and can return to normal activities almost immediately.
Scarring is usually minimal, though breastfeeding cannot be guaranteed after the procedure because the milk ducts will usually have been cut during surgery and will no longer be intact.
As with any cosmetic procedure, it is important that you review your expectations thoroughly before you decide to proceed. Your specialist will explain the results you can expect, and will discuss the associated risks and alternatives to the procedure before going ahead.
Please get in touch to confirm your fee. All patients will require a consultation prior to surgery to assess your individual requirements and desires.
Inverted nipple correction (both nipples)
From £2,900
Inverted Left Nipple Before
Inverted Left Nipple After
Inverted Right Nipple Before
Inverted Right Nipple After
If you are a prospective patient, please download the informed consent form below. This includes information about the treatment, potential risks and contraindications.
