Does Nipple Surgery Affect Breastfeeding?
Inverted Nipples and Breastfeeding
A nipple that turns inward (an inverted nipple) can raise both aesthetic concerns and questions about breastfeeding. Inversion is usually congenital or becomes noticeable during breast development in puberty; it can occur in both women and men.
How an inverted nipple affects breastfeeding depends on its grade. With mild inversion, breastfeeding is often possible, because the baby latches onto the coloured area around the nipple (the areola) as well as the nipple itself. With moderate inversion, it may be harder for the baby to latch on. With severe inversion, breastfeeding is often not possible because the milk ducts are short.
Methods That May Make Breastfeeding Easier
There are some methods that can make breastfeeding easier for mothers with inverted nipples. It is recommended that they are used with the guidance of a doctor or a breastfeeding counsellor:
- Using a breast pump just before breastfeeding can help draw the nipple out.
- Gently squeezing the nipple between the thumb and index finger can make it easier for the baby to latch on.
- Aids such as suction devices that draw the nipple out or silicone nipple shields can be used.
The baby's sucking can also lengthen the milk ducts over time and help the nipple come out; however, this does not happen in every woman. The effect of non-surgical methods is limited and often temporary.
How Is Nipple Surgery Performed?
A long-lasting solution usually requires surgery. The operation is usually performed under local anaesthesia and is short; the person can often go home the same day. In the operation, a small incision is made at the edge of the nipple and the bands of connective tissue that pull the nipple inward are released. Depending on the grade of inversion, some or all of the short milk ducts may need to be divided. For treatment options, you can read our article Inverted Nipple Treatment.
Does Nipple Surgery Affect Breastfeeding?
Because the milk ducts may be involved in the operation, the ability to breastfeed may be affected. With mild inversion that does not require intervention on the milk ducts, breastfeeding is more likely to be preserved; when the milk ducts need to be divided, breastfeeding may become difficult or not possible. It cannot be guaranteed that breastfeeding will be preserved after the operation.
For this reason, women who plan pregnancy and breastfeeding are usually advised to have the operation after childbirth and breastfeeding. Nevertheless, some people may choose to have the operation before pregnancy in order to make breastfeeding easier. This decision is made together with the patient after the possible effects on breastfeeding have been discussed in detail with the doctor.
Who Is the Operation For and What Are the Risks?
The operation can be performed on women and men aged 18 or over who are found suitable at the examination. When the inversion has developed later, it is first checked whether there is an underlying disease.
Like any surgical procedure, nipple surgery carries risks: these include recurrence of the inversion, reduced or altered sensation in the nipple, difficulty breastfeeding due to damage to the milk ducts, bleeding, infection, scarring and asymmetry. The operation should be performed by a specialist doctor in a properly equipped healthcare facility. For detailed information, you can visit our inverted nipple page.
Author: Op. Dr. Yücel Sarıaltın