Inverted Nipples

Correcting Inverted Nipples – For a Renewed Sense of Naturalness

Young woman in beige ribbed top smiling sideways with hand raised, symbolic image for Inverted Nipples at BONITAS in Nuremberg

Inverted nipples – medically also known as inverted mamillae – are not a flaw, but they are a sensitive topic for many women. Perhaps you feel inhibited during intimacy or are bothered by their appearance in the mirror. Or you have problems with breastfeeding. Your feelings are individual, and so is the solution we offer you at BONITAS.

A specialist carefully addresses your wishes and enables a precise correction of inverted nipples – for an aesthetically harmonious breast appearance and a new sense of self-esteem.

At a glance

Inverted nipples (retracted nipples) develop when shortened milk ducts or strands of connective tissue pull the nipple inward. Congenital forms occur in up to 10% of women (men can also be affected), 87% of them on both sides, and are usually without any health risk.

Grade 1
the nipple can be brought out manually with light pressure or a cold stimulus
Grade 2
the nipple can be brought out, but retracts again immediately
Grade 3
the nipple cannot be brought out even with pressure or stimulation
Breastfeeding
possible in most cases with grade 1, often not possible with grade 3, regardless of surgery
Newly appeared retraction
always have it assessed by a doctor promptly, especially if it is one-sided
Surgical correction
usually an effective option for grades 2 and 3

What are Inverted Nipples?

Inverted nipples are retracted or permanently inward-pointing nipples. Causes range from congenital connective tissue weakness to shortened milk ducts and inflammatory processes. Unilateral occurrence is also possible.

The good news: Surgical correction is quick and can be permanent – with natural results and preservation of function.

Decision Aid: When is Correction Advisable?

Question If you say “Yes”, a consultation at BONITAS is worthwhile
Do the inverted nipples bother you aesthetically or psychologically? ✅
Do you desire a naturally shaped nipple that points outward? ✅
Do you feel inhibited or insecure during intimate contact? ✅
Do you want a gentle but permanent solution? ✅
Are you looking for an alternative to surgery, e.g., with hyaluronic acid? ✅

Treatment procedure

Before the procedure

During the Procedure

After the operation

What techniques does BONITAS use?

At BONITAS, both surgical and minimally invasive options are available to you – depending on the severity, your wishes, and the findings:

The choice of method is made after an individual analysis – empathetically, discreetly, and entirely tailored to your well-being.

What Results Can You Expect?

The result is permanent – in most cases, a single outpatient procedure is sufficient.

Advantages of treatment at BONITAS

Risks & Side Effects

Possible, mostly temporary side effects:

Aftercare Tips

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Inverted Nipple Correction

An inverted nipple – also referred to as an inverted or retracted nipple – is a nipple that does not point outward but is drawn back into the surrounding tissue. It is often caused by congenital connective tissue weakness or shortened milk ducts. Most of the time, this is unproblematic, but it can be aesthetically bothersome or lead to difficulties with breastfeeding.

Correction is advisable if inverted nipples lead to recurrent inflammation, hygiene problems, or insecurity in intimate situations. Even if breastfeeding is impaired, a surgical solution can be considered. Important: If inverted nipples appear suddenly (unilaterally), this should be checked by a doctor – it can be an indication of an illness.

Correction is performed surgically under general anesthesia, whereby the pulling connective tissue fibers or shortened milk ducts are severed, allowing the nipple to permanently protrude outwards. The method is gentle, leaves minimal scarring, and can be performed on an outpatient basis. Upon request, inverted nipple correction can also be ideally combined with breast augmentation with autologous fat – for a harmonious overall appearance and additional volume gain.

The costs depend on the scope of the procedure and the technique. At BONITAS, the treatment is planned individually – with a focus on aesthetics, function, and scar-minimizing execution. The exact costs are determined after a personal examination. In some cases, there may be a medical indication where cost coverage by the health insurance can be reviewed. BONITAS bills privately only. If you are seeking cost coverage, please contact your health insurer directly.

Smiling man with dark hair and beard in white coat against light background: Alejandro Marti, specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery, BONITAS Nuremberg
Get personal advice now

If you are considering medical aesthetic treatment, schedule your consultation for an honest assessment tailored to your needs.

Scientific References

5 sources
  1. Hernandez Yenty QM et al. „Treatment of the benign inverted nipple: A systematic review and recommendations for future therapy.” Breast. 2016. PubMed PMID 27476082
  2. Ritz M, Silfen R et al. „Simple technique for inverted nipple correction.” Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 2005. PubMed PMID 15583847
  3. Olivas-Menayo J, Berniz C. „Inverted Nipple Correction Techniques: An Algorithm Based on Scientific Evidence, Patients’ Expectations and Potential Complications.” Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 2021. PubMed PMID 32754835
  4. Mangialardi ML et al. „Surgical Correction of Inverted Nipples.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2020. PubMed PMID 32802664
  5. Olivas-Menayo J, Berniz C. „Inverted Nipple Correction Techniques: An Algorithm Based on Scientific Evidence, Patients’ Expectations and Potential Complications.” Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 2021. PubMed PMID 32754835