Correction of the inverted nipple.

The inverted nipple has been attributed to hypodevelopment of both nipple and areolomamillary musculature. A number of procedures have been devised to correct this deformity for the purposes of nursing and also for cosmesis. Excision of the entire areola, myotomy of areolomamillary bundles, and partial areolar excision in apposing quadrant triangles have all been used. An operative technique has been designed reflecting some of the older methods and an innovation utilizing areolar V-Y plasties and purse-string sutures to the nipple base for support. This method avoids excision and consequent extensive scarring of the areola. This procedure has been found to have satisfactory functional and cosmetic results in clinical trials to date.