Inverted Nipple Correction Treatment

Do you feel self-conscious about your inverted nipples? Does it affect your confidence? Inverted Nipple is a common trait with male and females and is a simple procedure which can be performed under local anaesthetic.

What is Inverted Nipple Correction?

Inverted Nipple Correction is when the nipple itself is pointed inwards instead of out. It is caused when the pull of the milk duct is stronger than the muscle inside the nipples.

There are various treatment options to rectify this dependent on the type of inversion. This will be discussed with Mr Adrian Richards during your consultation. 

Grades of Inverted Nipples
Everyone is different and therefore the cause of inverted nipples can vary. To choose the correct treatment for you the types of nipple inversion are categorised into three grades. These are as follows:

Grade 1: Flat or slightly inverted nipples. Grade 1 is the mildest form of inverted nipples and can become everted when stimulated by touch or temperature. Those with grade 1 nipples should still be able to breast feed.

Grade 2: A more inverted appearance than grade 1. These can also become everted when stimulated but will immediately go back to being inverted. Grade 2 nipples should also still be able to breast feed.

Grade 3: Even when stimulated grade 3 nipples will stay inverted and are seen as the most severe with shorter milk ducts and permanent inversion. Those with grade 3 are unlikely to breastfeed.

Inverted Nipples Procedure

As there are different grades of inverted nipples Mr Adrian Richards will discuss your grade and the suitable treatment options for you. 

There is a non-surgical approach for inverted nipples using a suction cup available in most high street chemists. This is placed over your nipple and is recommended to be used over a period to gain optimum results. Most suitable for grade 1 and some grade 2 patients.

If this device does not work for you, we would then recommend a surgical route which can be performed within our clinic under local anaesthetic. This procedure will involve either stretching or dividing the nipple.

Stretching – Inverted Nipple Treatment
Inverted Nipples can be treated with a stretching technique to help keep the milk ducts intact thus allowing the patient to breastfeed. As the reason behind the nipple becoming inverted is the shortened milk duct, this treatment stretched the duct to release the strain on the nipple to evert it.


It has been noted that whilst the stretching technique does work for grade 1 and some of grade 2 it does not have much longevity and the best option would be for the dividing treatment.

Areola Incision – Inverted Nipple Treatment
Using local anaesthetic a small incision is made on the edge of the nipple to release the milk ducts. This is minimal scarring technique developed by our Medical Director Mr Adrian Richards. The treatment will take around 30 minutes and is a permanent solution.

Recovery following the Inverted Nipple procedure

Inverted Nipple Correction procedure is performed under local anaesthetic; therefore the recovery will be minimal. You may experience some swelling or discomfort for 2-3 days after but this should subside quickly. Your surgeon will advise on any further aftercare depending on your normal activity.  

   2023 Adrian Richards