Can you still breastfeed after having surgical treatment for inverted nipples?
I am frequently asked this question by women who are seeking correction of their inverted nipples. What I have been telling them is that the general consensus is that it is highly unlikely due to the nature of the procedure that involves the complete division of milk ducts.
How true is this really, though?
This may sound like a very esoteric concern.
One that seems to have little real world relevance.
But it really is not.
It is estimated that around 10% of all women do have inverted nipples – one or both. This translates into a large number of women with a significant enough percentage in the child bearing years so it is relevant particularly for those interested in breastfeeding.
For many girls and women, as noted previously , there is a very significant negative psychological impact from having inverted nipples. Their presence can strongly impact one’s confidence, relationships, self-worth and even feelings of femininity and can lead to anxiety and even depression. Seeking plastic surgical treatment in order to look and feel normal then become unwavering priorities.
It is a must!
The treatment of inverted nipples involves the release of shortened ligaments and milk ducts that are causing the nipple to remain in a retracted, hidden position. Cutting these ligaments and ducts removes the anatomic restraints on the nipple so that it can now protrude.
However, by completely dividing the milk ducts, the anatomical connection between the milk glands and the nipple are severed. It would appear, then, that this procedure would lead to an inability to breast feed.
A real world illustration of this situation is where the water pipe going to your house or apartment from the water main, breaks. Because the connection to the water main (milk glands) has been disrupted (divided milk ducts), you will have no water in your house for a while (no milk at the nipple). You can’t drink tap water, shower or flush more than once (sorry for mentioning this last item!).
Not a good situation.
It would seem obvious and logical, then, that the surgical treatment of inverted nipples would result in you being unable to breastfeed since the necessary connections for milk delivery have been disrupted.
But what may seem logical and intellectually impossible, is not necessarily true.
It turns out that it is actually possible to breastfeed after having had surgical treatment for inverted nipples.
Maybe visualize this as WiFi Breastfeeding!
A patient of mine is just such an example.
This patient was 27 year old when she consulted me for treatment of her inverted nipples which she was very embarrassed and self-conscious about. At the same time, she also wanted to have a breast augmentation (photos A, C and E).
As part of the informational process, she was told that the correction of her inverted nipples would likely result in her inability to breast feed. Soon thereafter, she underwent surgical treatment of her inverted nipples and submuscular placement of small smooth surfaced silicone breast implants.
A. Before treatment of inverted nipples and breast augmentation
B. Seven and a half years after surgery and post breast feeding
C. Before
D. 7.5 years later
E. Before
F. 7.5 years later
Fast forward to six years later when she had a baby. As it turned out, her baby was indeed able to breastfeed from both breasts. The patient ultimately found that it was better to pump her breasts and feed her baby with that approach (photos B, D and F).
Whether this retained ability to breastfeed following surgical correction of inverted nipples is very rare is not clear. However, my patient’s experience does demonstrate that there is a possibility that one can breastfeed following treatment of inverted nipples.
If you are bothered by inverted nipples and are considering having this treated, you can schedule a complimentary consultation with me by either calling us at the Arizona Center for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery at (480) 451-3000 or contacting us by email.
Steven H. Turkeltaub, M.D. P.C.
Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona