Dr. de Clermont-TonnerrePlastic Surgeon

Paris 16 & Pontoise (95)

Inverted Nipple Correction

An inverted (umbilicated) nipple is one that turns inward instead of pointing outward. This condition, often congenital, can be a source of aesthetic concern and functional discomfort. Surgical correction, performed under local anaesthesia in under an hour, offers an immediate and permanent result in the vast majority of cases. Dr. de Clermont-Tonnerre welcomes you for a consultation in Paris 16 (56 av. Victor Hugo) and in Pontoise (95).

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Step by step

Procedure Overview

01

Consultation & grade assessment

Clinical evaluation of the inverted nipple grade (I, II or III), discussion of expectations, information on the possibility of future breastfeeding and conditions for health insurance coverage.

02

Local anaesthesia

Injection of a local anaesthetic at the nipple level. The procedure is painless. No sedation or general anaesthesia is required.

03

Sectioning of fibrosed ducts

Careful sectioning of the retracted milk ducts responsible for the inversion. The nipple is freed and everted using the technique appropriate to the grade.

04

Closure

Fine suture at the base of the nipple with resorbable or non-resorbable stitches as appropriate. The scar is located at the peri-areolar junction.

05

Compressive dressing

A compressive dressing is applied to maintain the nipple in an everted position during initial healing. Follow-up at 7–10 days.

In practice

Anaesthesia
Local
Duration
30 to 45 minutes
Hospitalisation
Day surgery (no overnight stay)
Time off work
2 to 3 days
Result
Immediate, visible from the procedure

What you need to know

Benefits & Risks

The benefits

  • Quick procedure under local anaesthesia
  • Day surgery — no hospitalisation
  • Immediate, visible result
  • Near-invisible scars (peri-areolar)
  • Improved aesthetics and comfort
  • Minimal time off work (2–3 days)

The risks

  • Possible difficulty or inability to breastfeed in future (sectioning of milk ducts)
  • Rare recurrence of inversion
  • Temporary slight reduction in nipple sensitivity
  • Infection or haematoma (rare)

Reimbursement

Health Insurance Coverage

Grade I — Not covered

A grade I nipple corrects manually without difficulty. The correction is purely aesthetic and is not reimbursed by the French health insurance system.

Grades II & III — Partial coverage possible

When the inverted nipple (grade II: corrects with difficulty; grade III: does not correct) causes proven functional impairment or hygiene difficulties, partial health insurance coverage may be considered. Prior agreement from the insurer is required.

Coverage conditions are assessed during the consultation. Dr. de Clermont-Tonnerre assists you with the process if applicable.

What to expect

Expected Results

Immediate

The nipple is everted from the end of the procedure. The result is visible from the moment you leave the clinic.

Permanent

The result is permanent in the vast majority of cases. Rare recurrence is possible, particularly for severe grade III cases.

Natural

The correction respects breast anatomy. The final appearance is natural, with a near-invisible scar at the base of the nipple.

Résultats

Avant / Après

Inverted nipple correction

Photos de patients du Dr. de Clermont-Tonnerre, partagées avec leur accord. Les résultats varient selon les individus et leur morphologie.

Inverted nipple correction result — Dr. de Clermont-Tonnerre Paris

Your questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is inverted nipple correction painful?+
No, the procedure is performed under local anaesthesia. You feel no pain during the operation. The post-operative period is generally painless, with only mild discomfort in the first few days, managed with common pain relievers.
Will I be able to breastfeed after surgery?+
Sectioning the fibrosed milk ducts, which is necessary for the correction, may compromise future breastfeeding. If you are planning a pregnancy and wish to breastfeed, it is essential to discuss this during the consultation so that options and priorities can be assessed together.
How much does inverted nipple correction cost?+
The fee starts from €800 depending on the grade of the inverted nipple and the complexity of the procedure. A detailed quote is provided at the end of the consultation. Partial health insurance coverage is possible for grades II and III with functional impairment.
Is there a visible scar?+
The scar is placed at the base of the nipple, at the junction with the areola. It is virtually invisible once healed, blending naturally into the peri-areolar anatomy. It fades progressively over the first 6 to 12 months.
What are the grades of inverted nipple?+
Grade I: retracts spontaneously but can be everted manually and stays out without tension. Grade II: can be everted manually but retracts as soon as released. Grade III: cannot be everted manually, associated with fibrosis and retraction of the milk ducts. The grade determines the surgical technique and the possibility of health insurance coverage.
Is the correction permanent?+
In the vast majority of cases, yes. Rare recurrence is possible, particularly for severe grade III cases. The chosen technique takes this risk into account. Post-operative follow-up is recommended.
What is the recovery time?+
Return to work is possible after 2 to 3 days. A compressive dressing is worn for 7 to 10 days. The final result is visible immediately; the scar fades over 6 to 12 months. It is advisable to avoid tight clothing over the nipple for 3 weeks.
Can a man have an inverted nipple corrected?+
Yes, the procedure is possible for both men and women. The technique is identical. The question of breastfeeding does not arise, but all other points (grading, anaesthesia, post-operative course) are identical.
Can both sides be corrected at the same time?+
Yes, bilateral correction is possible in a single session if both nipples are affected. This avoids two separate procedures and is performed under local anaesthesia in approximately 45 to 60 minutes.
Is there a risk of loss of nipple sensitivity?+
A temporary reduction in sensitivity is possible during healing (a few weeks). Permanent loss of sensitivity is rare but possible in grade III corrections involving significant sectioning of fibrosed ducts. This point is addressed during the consultation.

Patient Testimonials

★★★★★

“I had this complex since adolescence. Dr. de Clermont-Tonnerre was attentive and reassuring. The procedure was very quick, under local anaesthesia, and the result is exactly what I had hoped for. I only wish I had done it sooner.”

Camille

★★★★★

“Quick and painless procedure. The doctor explained the different options and the important points regarding breastfeeding very well. Immediate and very natural result. Attentive post-operative follow-up.”

Lucie

★★★★★

“Very satisfied with my result. The consultation was thorough and reassuring. The procedure only took 30 minutes under local anaesthesia. I highly recommend Dr. de Clermont-Tonnerre for his professionalism and care.”

Sophie

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See also

Breast Augmentation with ImplantsBreast Lipofilling (no implants)Breast Asymmetry CorrectionTuberous Breast CorrectionBreast Surgery — All ProceduresFees & Pricing

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Paris 16 (56 av. Victor Hugo) & Pontoise (95)

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