After nipple surgery, the patient is discharged on the same day, although depending on the situation, the patient may stay under observation in the hospital for up to a day. Although it is not very common, pain relievers prescribed by the specialist doctor who performed the surgery are used for any postoperative pain. These pain relievers can effectively control the pain. Additionally, any swelling or edema in the nipples usually disappears on its own within a few days.
Three to four days after the surgery, the bandages on the nipples are removed. Moreover, the patient should wear a sports bra for at least two weeks. After the surgery, the patient can return to normal activities or work within 1-2 days. However, it is important to avoid very heavy sports and strenuous activities for at least one month. Furthermore, there is no loss of sensation in the nipples during the healing process.
Inverted Nipple (also known as sunken nipple, buried nipple, inverted nipple, sunken nipple, buried nipple)
An inverted nipple, or also referred to as a sunken or buried nipple, is described as the nipples or parts of them being recessed inward. It can be congenital or occur later due to factors such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, or various reasons. This condition often becomes noticeable during adolescence when the breasts begin to develop. However, this condition can cause aesthetic, functional, and psychological problems. On average, about 2 to 3 out of 100 women face problems with inverted nipples, either unilaterally or bilaterally.
Women with inverted nipples may experience problems such as the accumulation of secretions from the nipple or insufficient cleaning, leading to infection. Additionally, breastfeeding can also pose some difficulties.
The main factor in the development of inverted nipples is the inadequate development of the milk ducts. Normally, the milk ducts open to the nipple, but in this condition, the baby cannot latch onto the nipple. This structure, which prevents milk flow, creates unpleasant aesthetics. Women may lose their self-confidence, and they may also experience sexual and psychological problems.
If nipple inversion has been present since adolescence, it may indicate that the milk ducts have not developed. In such cases, the milk ducts are closed, and fibrous tissues similar to ligaments may replace the milk ducts. It is likely that these tissues have pulled the nipple inward. The underdevelopment of the milk ducts results in the absence of milk flow from these ducts after pregnancy. If no milk flows out when the nipple is compressed with fingers, it is appropriate to suspect such a condition. In these cases, nipple surgery can be performed to bring the nipple out, but the mother cannot breastfeed. Because the milk ducts have not developed from the beginning.
Surgical procedures are applied for the treatment of inverted nipples. This surgery, performed under local anesthesia, lasts an average of 1 hour. Additionally, treatment for inverted nipples can be performed using different methods. However, the aim in each method is to cut the bands that pull the nipple inward and then place permanent or temporary support underneath. During the procedures, the cut bands are actually milk ducts. If these ducts are not cut, the nipple may invert inward again. Because the inversion of the nipple is caused by the milk ducts pulling the nipple inward. Surgery for inverted nipples is effective in achieving the desired appearance of the breasts aesthetically. Additionally, it helps to eliminate other problems.