Please Read First

The information on this page provides a condensed overview of key preparation and recovery guidelines for breast reduction surgery. For complete instructions—including specific timelines, medication details, wound care, garment use, and aftercare protocols—please download the full Pre-Operative and Post-Operative instruction documents below. These serve as your primary reference for a safe and successful recovery.

What to Expect

Inverted nipple correction is typically performed under local anesthesia and is an outpatient procedure. Recovery is generally straightforward, with mild swelling and tenderness expected for the first 1–2 weeks. Most patients return to normal daily activities quickly, while avoiding pressure or friction on the nipples during early healing.

In some cases, this procedure may affect future breastfeeding ability. Individual outcomes vary, and patients with questions or concerns about breastfeeding are encouraged to discuss this with their surgeon during consultation.

Key Pre-Operative Guidelines (Summary)

Fasting: If receiving oral sedation in addition to local anesthesia, do not eat or drink (including water, mints, or gum) for 3 hours prior to surgery. Patients receiving local anesthesia only do not need to fast.

Transportation: If sedation is used, a responsible adult must drive you home. Rideshare services are not permitted.

Medications: Discontinue aspirin, NSAIDs, and blood-thinning supplements as directed (typically 2–3 weeks prior).

Lifestyle Adjustments: Stop nicotine use and reduce alcohol intake in the weeks leading up to surgery. These steps reduce complications and support healing.

Day of Surgery: Shower the morning of surgery using mild soap. Do not apply lotions, deodorant, or makeup. Wear loose, front-opening clothing.

Key Post-Operative Guidelines (Summary)

Pain Management: Use Tylenol (acetaminophen) as directed. Most patients experience mild discomfort.

Activity: Resume light daily activities as tolerated. Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or pressure on the nipples for approximately 2–3 weeks.

Showering: You may shower within 24–48 hours unless otherwise instructed. Do not soak in baths, pools, or hot tubs until cleared by your surgeon.

Clothing: Avoid tight bras or garments that place pressure or friction on the nipples during early healing.

Driving: Do not drive if you have received sedating medications. You may resume driving once you feel comfortable and are no longer taking sedating medication.

Sensation Changes: Temporary numbness or increased sensitivity of the nipple may occur and typically improves over time.

Follow-Up and Support

Urgent Concerns: Contact our office if you experience significant redness, warmth, drainage, fever over 101°F, or persistent pain unrelieved by medication.

Emergency Situations: For difficulty breathing or chest pain, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Ongoing Communication:

  • For non-urgent questions, please email [email protected].
  • For urgent matters, contact the office directly from 9am–5pm @ (808) 585-8855.
  • For urgent concerns after-hours, use the physician exchange @ (808) 524-2575.

Appointments: Follow-up visits are essential to ensure proper healing and address any concerns. Attend all scheduled appointments unless advised otherwise.

Download Complete Instructions

For full details on medication guidelines, wound care, activity recommendations, and recovery expectations, please download the complete instruction packet below:

Download Inverted Nipple Correction Pre & Post-Operative Instructions (PDF)

See our results in the wild

@shimchingmd

© Shim Ching MD. All Rights Reserved. Digital Marketing & Design by Studio 3 Marketing®.

Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy

Contact Us