The Correction of Inverted Nipple Using Modified Purse-String Sutures

ABSTRACT

Inverted nipples have shortened lactiferous ducts and less fibrous and collagenous muscular tissue and less connective tissue present, thus giving less bulk and less tissue for nipple projection. Until now, many authors suggested various methods of correction of inverted nipple, but it shows that perfect method does not exist. From July 2008 to December 2010, 41 nipples in 21 patients were treated. 20 patients had bilateral inverted nipples. Under the local anesthesia with sedation, the nipple was everted. A small incision was made on both lateral side at the nipple-areola junction. After nipple traction, the lactiferous ducts and surrounding connective tissues were divided by sharp dissection only through vertical direction. Upper and lower purse-string sutures using Nylon 4-0 were performed for the maintenance of corrected nipple. The small incision was closed by the simple suture. The operation time averaged 15minutes for each nipple. The mean follow-up period was 6 months. There were no complications associated with surgery, such as recurrence, infection, hematoma, nipple necrosis and sensory loss. We applied modified purse-string sutures to mild and moderate inverted nipple patients, and acquired good results. So we report our experience with a review of literature.