Of the many techniques advocated to correct nipples, all demonstrate a
failure rate with a recurrence of the inversion. We report a techniqu
e to correct the recurrent nipple inversion in a simple and permanent
fashion. This technique consists of releasing all scar tissue and any
lactiferous ducts deep to the nipple and inserting a cartilage graft (
rib or auricular) under the nipple. This cartilage graft serves to fil
l in any soft tissue defect and prevent recurrent contraction and nipp
le inversion. Although generally used for correction of recurrent nipp
le inversion, we have also used this technique successfully as an init
ial modality in patients with inverted nipples. We have found this tec
hnique to be simple, nondeforming, cosmetically acceptable, and perman
ent in the treatment of both inverted and recurrent inverted nipples.