Table of contents

• What are Inverted Nipples?
• Causes of Inverted Nipples
• Best Clinics in Korea for How To Fix Inverted Nipples
• Treatment Options in Korea
• Aftercare and Recovery
• Other Popular Methods of Treating Inverted Nipples in Korea
• The Prevalence and Causes of Inverted Nipples
• Inverted Nipples and Breastfeeding
• Surgical Options for Inverted Nipple Correction
• Post-Treatment Care

Did you know that inverted nipples affect around 10-20% of women globally, sometimes impacting self-confidence and even breastfeeding? In South Korea, a leading hub for cosmetic surgery, a range of both medical and non-medical solutions are available to help address this condition, providing options that cater to individual needs and ensuring comfort and satisfaction.

What are Inverted Nipples?

Inverted nipples are those that instead of pointing outward, are retracted into the breast. In some cases, they can be drawn out through cold or stimulation, but in others, they remain inverted regardless of exterior stimuli. This is often purely a cosmetic issue, but in some cases, it can cause difficulties with breastfeeding.

Causes of Inverted Nipples

Inverted nipples can be a natural occurrence developed at birth or during puberty. It is relatively common, affecting approximately 10 to 20 percent of women, and a smaller percentage of men around the world, including South Korea.

Here are several reasons why nipple inversion might occur:

• Tight breast duct tissue pulling the nipple inward
• Nipple trauma
• Significant changes in the breast size
• Ageing as the skin loses elasticity
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding where significant stretching or hormonal changes are involved
• Certain medical conditions like breast infections, mastitis, or breast cancer

In most cases, inverted nipples are simply a part of a person's body structure and pose no health risks. However, if nipple inversion occurs suddenly, medical consultation should be sought as it could be an indication of an underlying condition like breast cancer.

Best Clinics in Korea for How To Fix Inverted Nipples

Listed below are the best clinics in Korea for how to fix inverted nipples:

Clinic Name	Key Features	Special Techniques
Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic	Leading destination in Korea for breast aesthetics with a specialized Breast Center; led by Dr. Cho with ongoing academic research; team includes a highly experienced female plastic surgeon; tailored, sincere care with comprehensive aftercare for natural, lasting results; commitment to safety and technique refinement.	Advanced procedures including breast reduction, breast lift, and precise nipple correction; specialized expertise in complex and severe inverted nipple cases; precision-driven, individualized treatment plans; ability to combine nipple correction with lift or reduction to optimize projection and balance.
Seojin Plastic Surgery Clinic	One-doctor clinic in Gangnam led by Dr. Lee Hyungmin (Lee Hyeong-Min), recognized as one of Korea’s 100 Good Doctors with 16+ years of experience; end-to-end care by the surgeon; tailored plans for nipple and breast surgeries; precise, safe, natural-looking outcomes focused on restoring function and confidence.	3D imaging and high-definition endoscopy for planning and execution; precision technology supporting individualized correction of inverted nipples.
THEPLUS Plastic Surgery	Garosu-gil, Gangnam clinic with four dedicated floors from consultation to post-op; leadership includes Dr. Kim (board-certified, award-winning 3D implant researcher, global educator) and Dr. Jeong (President of the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons); emphasis on safety, rigorous academic activity, and patient-centered communication; breast specialist Dr. Lee (former Surgery Specialist at SNUH); senior team with 10+ years’ experience; comprehensive in-house pre- to post-operative support.	Meticulous planning and tailored treatment strategies for the nipple–areolar complex; surgical precision aimed at natural, long-lasting breast results; function-meets-aesthetics approach supported by a senior medical team and ongoing academic engagement.

Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic

Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic is a leading destination in Korea for breast aesthetics, anchored by a specialized Breast Center that offers advanced procedures such as breast reduction, breast lift, and precise nipple correction. Led by Dr. Cho—renowned for expertise in breast surgery and ongoing academic research—the clinic combines cutting-edge techniques with sincere, individualized care. With a team that includes a highly experienced female plastic surgeon, patients receive a tailored, transformative treatment journey supported by comprehensive aftercare designed for natural, lasting results.

Why Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic is the top choice for inverted nipple correction:

• Specialized Breast Center with dedicated expertise in nipple correction, including complex and severe presentations.
• Leadership by Dr. Cho, a recognized breast surgery expert who publishes research and excels not only in standard augmentation but also in challenging cases requiring significant breast reduction—procedures that many clinics cannot perform.
• Tailored, precision-driven treatment plans that reflect each patient’s anatomy and goals, avoiding one-size-fits-all approaches.
• Comprehensive aftercare system focused on stability, natural-looking outcomes, and long-term satisfaction.
• Team-based care that includes a renowned female plastic surgeon, enhancing comfort, communication, and aesthetic sensibility.
• Ability to combine nipple correction with complementary breast procedures (lift or reduction) when needed to achieve optimal projection and balance.
• Proven commitment to sincerity, safety, and technique refinement, supported by continuous study and clinical experience.
• A seamless, patient-centered experience that integrates empathy, advanced technology, and meticulous surgical execution.

You can check out their website here: Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic Website

Seojin Plastic Surgery Clinic

For patients seeking the most reliable solution to inverted nipples in Korea, Seojin Plastic Surgery Clinic in the heart of Gangnam stands out for its rare combination of elite expertise, precision technology, and truly personalized care. As a one-doctor clinic, Dr. Lee Hyungmin (Lee Hyeong-Min) delivers comprehensive, end-to-end care himself—from consultation through procedure and follow-up—ensuring continuity, trust, and meticulous attention to detail at every step. Recognized as one of Korea’s 100 Good Doctors and backed by more than 16 years of experience, Dr. Lee brings distinguished skill to specialized nipple and breast surgeries, tailoring each plan to the patient’s anatomy and goals. Leveraging advanced tools such as 3D imaging and high-definition endoscopy, Seojin optimizes planning and execution for precise, safe, and natural-looking correction of inverted nipples. With its refined approach to breast aesthetics and unwavering commitment to individualized care, Seojin Clinic is the premier destination for restoring both nipple function and confidence.

You can check out their website here: Seojin Plastic Surgery Clinic Website

THEPLUS Plastic Surgery

Located in the heart of Garosu-gil, Gangnam, THE PLUS Plastic Surgery offers a world-class, research-driven environment across four dedicated floors that guide patients seamlessly from consultation to surgery and post-operative care. The clinic’s leadership includes internationally recognized surgeons: Dr. Kim, a board-certified plastic surgeon and award-winning 3D implant researcher who is a global educator and leading expert in rhinoplasty and facial contouring; and Dr. Jeong, President of the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons, renowned for his function-meets-beauty approach and frequent lectures at major industry forums. Their commitment to safety, rigorous academic activity, and patient-centered communication underscores every step of care.

For those exploring solutions to inverted nipples in Korea, THE PLUS combines surgical precision with aesthetic harmony. Board-certified breast specialist Dr. Lee—formerly a Surgery Specialist at Seoul National University Hospital and a member of multiple leading plastic surgery societies—focuses on achieving natural, long-lasting results in breast procedures. Backed by a senior medical team with over a decade of experience, active participation in international symposiums, and a comprehensive in-house system for pre- to post-operative support, the clinic provides meticulous planning and tailored treatment strategies that respect both function and aesthetics for the nipple–areolar complex.

You can check out their website here: THEPLUS Plastic Surgery Website

Treatment Options in Korea

In Korea, both surgical and non-surgical options are available for the correction of inverted nipples. These options include:

1. Breast Surgery: This procedure involves making a small incision around the nipple and cutting the fibers that are pulling the nipple inwards. This is normally a minimally invasive procedure.

2. Nipple Piercing: This is a less conventional option where a body piercer punctures the skin above the nipple and places a ring to keep it from inverting again.

3. Hoffman Technique: This non-surgical technique entails the use of exercises to strengthen the muscles beneath the nipples, to keep them protruding outward.

4. Suction Devices: These are non-surgical tools that use gentle suction to draw the nipple out over time.

5. Nipple Retractors: These are simple devices that utilize spring tension to keep the nipple in an extended position.

Before choosing any of these methods, it is essential to consult with a medical professional or a specialist to understand the pros and cons of each method and to identify the most suitable option for you.

Aftercare and Recovery

Whichever treatment plan you adopt, taking care of the treated area and adhering to all the instructions given by the healthcare provider is crucial. Generally, after treatment, patients are recommended to wear a special surgical bra to provide support during the recovery process.

Patients are usually able to return to their normal routines within one or two weeks following the treatment. It is important to avoid strenuous activity or heavy lifting for at least a few weeks post-procedure to allow the body time to heal.

Keep in mind that the end goal is not just to alter the appearance; it is also about achieving a positive body image and enhancing overall self-confidence.

Remember, whether inverted nipples should be “fixed” or not is a personal decision that should be made after understanding the potential benefits, risks, and alternatives related to the treatment. Ensure to discuss your concerns and expectations with your healthcare provider before deciding on a treatment plan.

Other Popular Methods of Treating Inverted Nipples in Korea

Inverted nipples, a condition where the nipples are pointed inwards instead of outwards, is not a medical concern in itself but can affect self-esteem and breastfeeding. In Korea, there are a variety of effective treatments that help correct this condition, some surgical and others that can be done at home.

Nipple Stretcher

The nipple stretcher, called Phillips Nipple Puller in Korea, is a non-surgical at-home therapy. It's a small device that you fix onto your nipple. The device gently pulls on the nipple multiple times a day to reverse the inversion.

Hoffman Technique

The Hoffman technique is another at-home method that involves using your thumbs to apply pressure.

For the Hoffman technique:

1. Place your thumbs at the base of the nipple.
2. Gently but firmly apply pressure and stretch the nipple.
3. Repeat daily.

Piercing

It seems counter-intuitive, but piercing has been known to help some cases of inverted nipples. The jewelry helps to keep the nipple in an outwards position, which can sometimes reverse the inversion.

It's essential to consult with a professional piercer who has experience with inverted nipples.

Surgical options

For severe cases of inverted nipples, surgery may be necessary. In Korea, the most common type of operation is nipple traction surgery.

Nipple Traction Surgery

In this treatment, the surgeon will make a small incision at the base of the nipple. This procedure allows the nipple's natural tissues to fill in the created space, causing the nipple to project outward.

Nipple Inversion Surgery

Another surgical option is nipple inversion surgery itself. The surgeon will make small incisions around the nipple to loosen it and reverse the inversion.

In Korea, these surgical procedures have high rates of success and minimal scarring. However, they may affect future breastfeeding and sensation in the nipple.

In conclusion, there are many options available to fix inverted nipples in Korea. It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best option for you.

The Prevalence and Causes of Inverted Nipples

Inverted nipples, also known as retracted or invaginated nipples, are a condition where the nipple, instead of pointing outwards, is retracted into the breast. It is estimated that between 2% and 10% of the population is affected by this condition, with a significant number coming from East Asia, including South Korea. This physical condition varies in severity and could be present in one or both breasts. While it can be congenital, appearing from birth, it can also occur later in life due to factors such as severe mastitis, breast cancer, or sagging breasts.

Inverted Nipples and Breastfeeding

Conflicting opinions exist about the impact of inverted nipples on breastfeeding. Some studies suggest that it might cause difficulties in breastfeeding; however, there are numerous cases where women with this condition had no issues. Nonetheless, mothers-to-be from Korea and other parts of the world often seek treatment for inverted nipples to avoid potential complications during breastfeeding.

Surgical Options for Inverted Nipple Correction

Surgical methods for correcting inverted nipples usually give permanent results. They can range from minimal invasive surgeries to more comprehensive procedures, depending on the severity of the inversion. The three main types of surgery include the 'parachute flap' technique, 'purse string' procedure, and 'detached duct' method.

Parachute Flap Technique

This technique involves creating small incisions at the base of the nipple to allow it to project outwards. Once the desired result is achieved, sutures are placed to support the corrected nipple position. The advantage is that the milk ducts remain intact which allows for future breastfeeding. This method is common in Korean plastic surgery clinics due to its effectiveness and minimal impact on breastfeeding ability.

Purse String Procedure

The purse-string procedure is another popular method used in South Korea. It's a simple procedure where a circular incision is made around the nipple, allowing it to protrude outwards. The success rate of this procedure is high, but there is a risk of the nipple reverting if not healed properly. Many clinics in South Korea offer this treatment, and it has become a popular choice for its simplicity and efficacy.

Detached Duct Method

For severe cases of nipple inversion, the detached duct method can be used. This procedure involves detaching the milk ducts that are pulling the nipple inward. Although this gives a permanent result, it severs the milk ducts hence preventing potential breastfeeding.

In South Korea, decisions about how to correct inverted nipples will depend on several factors, including the degree of inversion, individual health status, and whether future breastfeeding is a desired option for the patient. Always consult with a skilled and knowledgeable plastic surgeon, and consider all available options before making a decision.

Procedure Price	Korean Won (₩)	USD ($)
Low Price	₩2,500,000	$1800
High Price	₩7,000,000	$5100

Exchange rate as of 2025-05-22: 1 KRW = 0.0007 USD

Please note that these prices are approximate guidelines and can vary significantly based on the clinic and your individual circumstances.

Post-Treatment Care

After any surgical procedure, proper post-surgery care is crucial. Common recommendations may include using a special bra or nipple shield to protect and maintain the new nipple position.

Regardless of the method chosen, it's important to understand that each case is unique. It's recommended to consult with a specialized healthcare provider to discuss the most suitable procedure and potential risks for your individual condition.