A Minimally Invasive Gradual Traction Technique for Inverted Nipple Correction

Abstract

Background

An inverted nipple affects not only the aesthetic appearance of the breast but also breastfeeding. Most surgical procedures can cause injury to normal lactiferous ducts and sensory dysfunction. The authors present a simple, safe, and minimally invasive technique for treating inverted nipples.

Methods

A distracter was made using the distal end of a 5- or 10-ml disposable syringe. The length was 1.3–1.5 cm, and pinholes with a diameter of 1 mm were punctured at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock at the apex of the distracter. The inverted nipple was pulled out, and two steel wires with a diameter of 0.6 mm were crossed through the nipple base and fixed to the external distracter. After surgery, the wires were tightened once per month. According to the severity of the nipple inversion, the distracter was removed after 4–6 months of traction.

Results

This method was used to correct 604 inverted nipples of 310 patients. The follow-up period ranged from 6 months to 2 years. No complications associated with surgery such as infection, depigmentation, sensory disturbance, or nipple necrosis occurred. The great majority of the patients (95.8 %) were satisfied with the aesthetic results.

Conclusions

The described technique is minimally invasive, simple, safe, reliable, and low in cost. Satisfying aesthetic results can be achieved without destroying breastfeeding function or nipple sensation.

Level of Evidence IV

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