Abigail Rodriguez M.D. Plastic Surgery
4400 Post Oak Pkwy, Suite 300
Houston, TX 77027
Phone: (713) 352-3199
Monday–Thursday: 8:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
Abigail Rodriguez M.D. Plastic Surgery
12727 Kimberley Lane, Suite 300
Houston, TX 77024
Phone: (713) 799-9999
Monday–Thursday: 8:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
While you might think that you’re the only person in the world with inverted nipples, it’s actually incredibly common. About 10% of the population has inverted nipples, meaning the nipple is retracted and does not protrude beyond the surrounding skin.
In most cases, it is present at birth and is not worrisome. During fetal development, breast tissue forms beneath the skin in both men and women. Usually, this tissue pushes the nipple outwards and above the level of the areola. If this doesn’t happen, the result can be an inverted nipple.
It is also common to have nipples that are disproportionately large or puffy. This may mean that the nipples stick out too much to the point where they are frequently visible through clothing. This might have been present for much of your life or may become apparent after pregnancy or breastfeeding. Overly large nipples can also rub against clothes and cause chafing or irritation, especially during exercise.
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VIEW PHOTOSYou may be a good candidate for nipple surgery with Dr. Rodriguez if you have:
First, it is essential to understand the difference between the nipple and the areola.
The areola is the area of skin with slightly darker pigment than the rest of the chest.
At the center of the areola is the nipple: the skin/tissue that contains the milk duct openings and that projects outwards in most people.
Nipple surgery can help correct an inverted nipple or make it less prominent by reducing its size. Both versions of this operation can easily and comfortably be done under local anesthesia.
An inverted nipple is corrected by making a small incision along its base, where it meets the areola. The tissue bands that pull the nipple inwards are then cut to release the nipple and improve projection. The incision is then stitched closed.
A large or puffy nipple can be reduced by removing a portion of the nipple skin and underlying tissue. Stitches are then used to close the incisions.
If you are having a breast reduction or breast lift, Dr. Rodriguez may advise against having nipple surgery at the same time. During both nipple surgery and breast surgery, some blood supply to the nipple is disrupted. If the nipple does not receive enough blood supply, the skin at the nipple does not survive.
To minimize this risk, Dr. Rodriguez may instead recommend having nipple surgery several weeks after a breast reduction or breast lift. Separating these procedures allows the nipple to recover and develop a new blood supply.
The incisions on the nipple are dressed with antibiotic ointment, which is reapplied twice daily for the first few days of recovery. Padding is applied around the nipple to protect it from the pressure of your clothing. For women, a soft, loose bra is recommended during healing.
In most cases, Dr. Rodriguez will use absorbable stitches, which should fall out on their own and not need to be removed. You can usually return to work the following day.
Dr. Abigail Rodriguez blends advanced surgical expertise with refined artistry to create results that look natural, balanced, and enduring. Known for her compassion, transparency, and commitment to patient education and safety, she provides individualized care supported by a state-of-the-art facility, enhanced recovery protocols, and comprehensive follow-up—all designed to ensure you feel cared for, confident, and understood throughout your transformation.
Widely regarded as a top board-certified plastic surgeon in Houston and beyond, Dr. Rodriguez's excellence has been recognized by Newsweek as one of America's Best Plastic Surgeons and by Texas Super Doctors multiple times. She is trusted for her meticulous precision and genuine dedication to helping patients look and feel their most authentic and confident.
Paying for your procedure shouldn't stand in the way of feeling confident and comfortable in your skin. We offer flexible financing options, including CareCredit® and PatientFi®, to help make your treatment more manageable and accessible.
Our team will guide you through your options and support you during every step of your transformation.
Explore FinancingAfter inverted nipple repair, they may look overly projected. This is done deliberately to counteract the tendency for scarring at the nipple to pull it back inwards. It will not stay in the overly projected position forever. After several weeks or months, you should notice that the nipple sticks out just slightly.
After nipple reduction surgery, the results are more apparent early on. It should not become overly projected again. The texture and pigmentation of the skin at the nipple/areola usually camouflage the scars quite well.
The ability to breastfeed after nipple surgery depends on the specific technique used and whether the milk ducts are affected during the procedure. It’s important to discuss your future breastfeeding plans with Dr. Rodriguez before the operation, as she can potentially use methods that preserve the milk ducts and breastfeeding function.
Most patients experience temporary numbness or altered sensation immediately after surgery. However, normal sensation typically returns within a few months as healing is complete.
Follow Dr. Rodriguez’s instructions about medications and supplements in the weeks leading up to the procedure, particularly avoiding blood-thinning medications. On the day of surgery, wear loose and comfortable clothing.
Yes, Dr. Rodriguez believes in making her procedures as accessible as possible. We currently offer financing through PatientFi® for qualifying patients.
Don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Abigail Rodriguez if you’re interested in learning more about breast reconstruction in Houston. We’re here to help you achieve a look that will allow you to feel more comfortable in your body.
