Inverted Nipple Correction
Conveniently located to serve the areas of New York, NY
Inverted nipple correction surgery is a procedure that releases the tight tissues that draw nipples inward. The nipples are a key component in overall breast aesthetics, and they may be frustrated by their breast appearance when nipples appear flat and drawn inward.
Dr. Elie Levine is one of New York’s top board-certified plastic surgeons and the director of plastic surgery at Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC. With his functional, cosmetic, and fellowship training, Dr. Elie Levine combines exceptional technical skill using his artistic eye and deep understanding of the aesthetic balance. His unique, four-incision approach to inverted nipple correction helps patients achieve beautiful, natural-looking results.
Whether you are a local, out-of-town, or international patient, Dr. Elie Levine cares deeply about your plastic surgery experience. If you are ready to transform your body and improve your self-esteem, contact us online or call our office directly at (212) 988-1800 to schedule your personal consultation. If you are traveling to New York City for treatment, please let us know! Our team is happy to help you make accommodations for a comfortable visit.
Contents
Before and After Photos
About Inverted Nipple Correction
Inverted nipples are common and can pose cosmetic concerns for many women. In most cases inverted nipples are congenital (present since birth), although the condition may develop later in life as a result of other factors, such as breast injury, age-related breast changes, pregnancy, breastfeeding, breast disease, and more. (1) In most cases, inverted nipples are caused by tight tissue or shortened breast ducts beneath the nipple, which tether the nipple inward. Correction aims to release the tight and shortened milk ducts and fibrous tissues that pull the nipples inward. Whether your nipples are inverted sometimes or all of the time, Dr. Elie Levine uses a unique approach to correct nipple inversion with a symmetrical, harmonious result.
Benefits
Inverted nipple correction is a permanent solution that restores the natural outward protrusion of the nipple. (2) In addition to physical improvements, patients gain significant psychological benefits. Under Dr. Elie Levine’s care, patients see:
- Immediate nipple projection
- Enhanced symmetry
- Natural contouring and shape
- Boosted self-esteem
- Improved intimacy and confidence
Candidates
If one or both of your nipples currently retract and you wish to enhance their natural outward appearance, inverted nipple correction procedure may be ideal for you. To achieve the best outcomes, you must be in good general health, hold realistic expectations regarding your outcomes, and ideally be a non-smoker (or be willing to quit before surgery). If you are currently breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed in the near future, Dr. Elie Levine may recommend delaying your procedure. During your consultation, he will review your medical history, family plans, nipple concerns, and more to determine an effective treatment path.
Personal Consultation
During your personal consultation, Dr. Elie Levine will review your medical history, and together, you will discuss your concerns. He will also perform a physical examination to thoroughly analyze your nipples, allowing him to create the best treatment approach for achieving your goals. After gathering the necessary information, he will create a customized treatment plan that will include the procedure details and total cost. He also wants to ensure that you feel ready and comfortable to proceed with treatment, so he will address any questions and concerns you may have. If you are ready to transform the appearance of your nipples, contact us online or call our office at (212) 988-1800 to schedule your personal consultation. If you will be traveling to New York City to receive care from Dr. Elie Levine, please let us know. Our team can plan your consultation, procedure, and recovery around your travel dates for your convenience.
Preparation
To effectively prepare for your nipple correction procedure, Dr. Elie Levine will advise you to: (3)
- Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements
- Cease smoking and other nicotine or cannabis use far in advance of treatment
- Wear loose-fitting clothing to your procedure
Expectations
Inverted nipple correction is performed in our state-of-the-art, in-office operating suite, which is accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF). The length of your procedure will depend on the extent of the correction needed, but on average, the surgery usually takes 30-60 minutes per side. After your procedure, you will be brought to our warm and caring recovery suite, where our staff will make sure you are comfortable and assist in your recovery.
Procedure
At the beginning of your procedure, you will receive local anesthesia to keep you comfortable. General anesthesia is typically not necessary for inverted nipple correction, but you are welcome to explore this option. Once you are comfortable, Dr. Elie Levine will make four tiny incisions at the base of the nipple. This unique approach provides ample access to underlying nipple structures while keeping treatment minimally invasive and minimizing scarring. Through these incisions, he will carefully release the tissue that may be tethering the nipple inward, and once he releases it, the nipple will project naturally. He will then place absorbable sutures at the baseline of the nipple to prevent future inversion, close the small incisions with dissolving stitches, and apply light dressing.
Recovery
You may go home immediately after your procedure. Dr. Elie Levine employs long-acting local anesthetics, so you will remain comfortable for several more hours after returning home. If discomfort arises, you can manage it with recommended over-the-counter medications. Most patients can return to work and light activities the next day but must avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and extreme upper-body workouts for at least two weeks. Patients can also shower or gently bathe after 48 hours. (4) Swelling and minor bruising around the nipple is expected, but it typically resolves after two weeks. Dr. Elie Levine will provide additional detailed post-operative instructions specific to your treatment plan.
At Plastic & Dermatology of NYC, our concern for you doesn’t end when you go home. We are dedicated to providing ongoing care to ensure a fast, safe, and smooth recovery. Dr. Elie Levine will see you for post-operative visits, and he and our staff will stand ready to answer any questions you may have about your recovery, health, and overall well-being. If you are traveling for your treatment, our team will make sure you achieve a restful recovery before your journey home.
Results
Immediately after your inverted nipple correction, you will enjoy a natural-looking, prominent outward-projecting nipple. Swelling may initially obscure final results, but as this resolves, your nipples will appear more natural, outward, and harmonious with your breasts. In many cases, patients report significantly enhanced confidence from their results.
Corresponding Procedures
To achieve complete breast rejuvenation, many patients will include their inverted nipple correction with additional breast procedures such as breast augmentation, breast reduction, or a breast lift. Furthermore, many will include these with a tummy tuck and/or liposuction in a comprehensive mommy makeover. During your consultation, Dr. Elie Levine can provide expert recommendations about which procedures will provide the best results.
Cost of Inverted Nipple Correction in New York City
The total cost of your inverted nipple correction procedure will vary depending on the severity of your nipple concerns, the techniques Dr. Elie Levine will utilize, your overall goals, and more. During your personal consultation, Dr. Elie Levine will provide a comprehensive price quote. If applicable, our team will also help you compile any information you may need to file with your insurance provider.
Contact us online or call our office at (212) 988-1800 to explore the cost of your inverted nipple correction!
FAQ
What is nipple inversion correction surgery?
Nipple inversion surgery, or inverted nipple correction, is a procedure that creates an outwardly protruding nipple to improve its functionality and aesthetic appearance. This procedure allows the nipple to appear prominent, exactly how it should naturally appear.
What causes a nipple inversion?
A nipple inversion can be caused by pregnancy, breastfeeding, puberty, natural aging, surgery or trauma, or infections. It can also be a congenital, since-birth issue. Often, the underlying cause is a milk duct or connective tissue that is too short or too tight.
Are the results of a nipple inversion correction procedure permanent?
Yes, the results of a nipple inversion procedure are generally permanent, as the fibrous bands pulling the nipple inward are released or divided during surgery.
Can you pair a nipple inversion correction procedure with other treatments?
Yes, you can pair a nipple inversion correction procedure with additional breast procedures such as breast augmentation, breast reduction, or a breast lift to further enhance the overall shape and appearance of the breasts. You can also pair it with other body contouring procedures such as a tummy tuck, liposuction, and more!
What are the benefits of inverted nipple correction?
An inverted nipple correction procedure can enhance symmetry, improve the natural nipple contouring and shape, boost self-esteem, improve intimacy, and more.
References
- Mangialardi ML, Baldelli I, Salgarello M, Raposio E. Surgical Correction of Inverted Nipples. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2020;8(7):e2971. doi:10.1097/gox.0000000000002971
- Olivas-Menayo J, Berniz C. Inverted Nipple Correction Techniques: An Algorithm Based on Scientific Evidence, Patients” Expectations and Potential Complications. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 2021;45(2):472-480. doi:10.1007/s00266-020-01909-6
- Nagaraja Rao D, Winters R. Inverted Nipple. PubMed. 2022. Accessed August 24, 2026. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563190/
- Zucca-Matthes G, Urban C, Vallejo A. Anatomy of the nipple and breast ducts. Gland surgery. 2016;5(1):32-36. doi:10.3978/j.issn.2227-684X.2015.05.10