Correction of severely inverted nipple with telescope method

Abstract

For female patients, an inverted nipple can result in functional problems, such as difficulty breast feeding, and emotional difficulties because of self-consciousness about the condition. Numerous surgical techniques for inverted nipple correction have been proposed, but none of the methods provides a reliable outcome. Most methods involve releasing retractile ducts and fibrous bands and adding bulk at the base of nipple; however, these techniques can cause injury to normal lactiferous ducts and sensory dysfunction. Herein we describe a "telescope method," performed under local anesthesia, which consists of making a circumferential incision, pulling out the nipple, and tightening the nipple base. With this technique, most lactiferous ducts and parallel sensory nerves that travel through the nipple base are not injured, and the procedure is associated with a less visible scar and nipple deformity than other methods. We report on 23 nipples of 17 patients that were successfully treated with this method. There was no recurrence of nipple inversion or sensory disturbance in the follow-up period. This technique is a simple, safe, and reliable method for the correction of severely inverted nipples.