Increase in women seeking help for their inverted nipples

A surgery group has reported a huge spike in requests for nipple correction surgery – and celebrities going commando could be to blame.

The Private Clinic of Harley Street claim that demand for nipple corrective surgery across the group’s nationwide practices more than doubled during the month of June.

What’s more, requests have continued to rise since, with more patients booking in for the procedures than ever before, according to the clinic.

And though the current fashion trend – led by celebrities wearing sheer lingerie or no underwear at all – is believed to be partly responsible for this spike, experts say it’s also down to women speaking more openly about concerns about their breasts.

BEFORE 

Slide to reveal (graphic content): This woman, pictured before surgery, underwent a speedy operation to fix her inverted nipples

AFTER 

Slide to reveal (graphic content): The procedure involves an incision being made either at the base of the nipple – or as a means of dividing the milk ducts and problematic fibers

Adrian Richards, medical director and consultant plastic surgeon at The Private Clinic, told FEMAIL: ‘Of course, trends in pop culture do affect behaviour and so we cannot rule out the influence that fashion trends and celebrities have on consumers.

‘However, many of the patients I see are slightly older, and until recently, were unaware just how easily nipple inversion, for example, can be treated.’ 

Nipple correction procedures differ slightly depending on the patient’s own case; the most common procedures are those which involve the correction of nipple inversion or asymmetry. 

And according to Adrian Richards, who is one of the UK’s leading authorities on breast augmentation and nipple correction, inverted nipples are far more common than most people realise.

Slide to reveal (graphic content): Patients like this woman (pictured before) are increasingly seeking out corrective surgery to fix their inverted nipples – with procedures taking just 15 minutes. Inverted nipples are believed to affect as many as one in 10 women

Geordie Shore's Marnie Simpson shocked by forgoing underwear on the red carpet at the NTAs last week, and a stylist says the trend allows celebs to flash the flesh in less daring dresses

Geordie Shore’s Marnie Simpson shocked by forgoing underwear on the red carpet at the NTAs last week, and a stylist says the trend allows celebs to flash the flesh in less daring dresses

‘One in ten women actually have inverted nipples so it’s not too surprising that the majority of patients I see are looking to address this particular concern,’ he said. 

‘While the condition can affect both men and women, it’s fair to say that demand for treatment amongst women is higher.’ 

How does nipple corrective surgery work? 

For patients who require surgery, a minor procedure, performed under local anesthetic, is typically recommended. 

Depending on the underlying cause of the inverted nipples, the procedure will involve an incision being made either at the base of the nipple (to release the fibers and milk ducts which are causing the nipple to retract), or as a means of dividing the milk ducts and problematic fibers. 

BEFORE 

Slide to reveal (graphic content): Women are also seeking out nipple reduction surgery in huge numbers (this patient is picturedbefore surgery) as Brits become less prudish about their breasts

AFTER 

Slide to reveal (graphic content): This woman is picturedafter corrective surgery following her ‘nipple reduction’ procedure which can be performed in just 15 minutes according to The Private Clinic

The procedure takes around 15 minutes per nipple, with the patient able to leave the clinic on the same day.

‘One of the most common reasons my patients chose to undergo a nipple corrective treatment is because, over time, their nipple concerns have had a negative psychological impact, resulting in lower self-esteem’ explains Mr Richards. 

‘For these patients, the procedure can significantly improve the way they feel about this part of the body.’

What causes inverted nipples? 

‘Inverted nipples can occur in a number of ways,’ Mr Richards tells FEMAIL. 

‘The breast ducts could be too short or there could be some tightening of the duct’s tissue, which can be triggered by an imbalance in traction between the tissue and the smooth muscle, which keeps nipples erect. 

‘In other cases, it could be as simple as there being too much connective tissue in the nipple’.

Genetics, pregnancy and trauma can also all have an impact on inverted nipples. And when it comes to the nipples themselves, it’s not simply a case of ‘in’ or ‘out’, explains Mr Richards.

‘There are, in fact, three different grades of inverted nipples,’ he explains. ‘Grades one and two, less severe inversions, can often be treated without a surgical procedure via a suction device. 

‘Grade three, meanwhile, is the most severe inversion, something which often requires a corrective procedure’. 

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk