Stevens Approach Successfully Repairs Inverted Nipples and Preserves Milk Ducts
The unique method is less invasive to milk ducts and boasts of long-term aversion.
Los Angeles, Calif. (PRWEB) June 18, 2005 -- A Southern California plastic
surgeon renowned for his expertise on breast surgery has created an innovative
technique for correcting inverted nipples. Approximately 2 percent of the female
population suffers from inverted nipples and the deformity can aversely affect
self-esteem, sexuality, and, in severe cases, the ability to breastfeed.
In the past, techniques to correct inverted nipples often sacrificed the
milk ducts, causing too much damage to allow breastfeeding after the corrective
surgery. While most women were happy to have their nipples corrected, the
complete loss of the milk ducts was a steep price to pay. In addition, many
procedures did not create lasting projection, over time the nipple would slowly
begin to revert. New methods were needed to provide guaranteed results with
fewer drawbacks.
Dr. Grant Stevens, a leading Southern California
cosmetic surgeon and associate clinical professor at USC, saw the need for a
better method. Dr. Stevens created an improved procedure and a special device
called a Stevens Stent, which kept the nipple protected and in traction in the
days following the surgery. The technique involved releasing the constricted
milk ducts with lateral incisions that run parallel to the ducts themselves
instead of dissecting them, thus creating the possibility for future breast
feeding. The Stevens Stent offered added protection while keeping the nipple in
traction, helping to facilitate correct healing and nipple aversion.
Dr.
Stevens then decided to follow 21 patients who underwent nipple correction for
one year.
“It has been a complete success,” said Dr. Stevens. “Of the
women in the program, 100 percent of them have retained projection through the
length of the study.” The successful correction of inverted nipples is quite
reassuring to women considering corrective surgery. For those patients in their
childbearing age, knowing that there is a possibility to retain the ability to
breastfeed is also very important. Dr. Stevens' approach offers excellent
results and can have the women returning to their normal schedules and
activities within a few days.
Inverted nipples are often congenital,
caused by a small nipple base or constricted milk ducts. Inversion can also
happen after childbirth, caused by milk ducts scarring due to breastfeeding.
There are three levels of inversion: grade one inverted nipples can become
projected when aroused or in cold temperatures; grade two inverted nipples can
be averted manually, but projection does not last long and the nipples revert to
inversion; grade three inverted nipples are impossible to avert manually and can
cause other problems such as infection and rashes and inability to breastfeed.
Women with grade one inversions can almost always breastfeed, but grade two
inversions make breastfeeding more difficult and sometimes not
possible.
Inverted nipple surgery is performed with the nipple in a
forced averted position by placing a slight incision at the base of the nipple
that goes to the milk ducts but does not invade the milk ducts. Once the milk
ducts are exposed and the surgeon can determine which ducts or fibers are
constricting and causing the inversion, vertical incisions are made into the
nipple parallel to the milk ducts. While some of the milk ducts will be
compromised, the technique is less invasive than other methods and most milk
ducts are spared. An internal suture is placed at the 12:00 and 6:00 positions.
Another suture goes from the 3:00 to 9:00 positions. This strengthens the nipple
and eliminates "empty" space. The Stevens Stent, consisting of a medical cup and
surgical gauze, is then put in place. The Stent keeps the nipple in traction and
protects the surgical site as well. The Stent is kept in place for up to five
days, when the doctor will remove it and any external sutures. The internal
sutures are self-dissolving.
People with grade one or grade two are most
likely to retain the ability to breastfeed. Grade three inversions typically do
not allow for breastfeeding, but they couldn’t breastfeed before the corrective
surgery either. For these women, the ability to correct their nipples and do
away with possible infections and rashes is well worth the effort.
Dr.
Grant Stevens is an expert with breasts. The respected surgeon is highly sought
after for breast augmentation, breast lift, and breast reduction, so it is no
surprise that he has pioneered innovative techniques for repairing nipples as
well. By correcting the nipples to the normal projection, Dr. Stevens can help
women feel better about themselves, their sexuality and their bodies. For more
information on inverted nipples, Dr. Stevens has created a web site on Nipple
Repair at http://www.nipplerepair.com with information on the surgery
procedure and before and after photos.
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/6/prweb252169.htm