People can be born with inverted nipples or inverted nipples can appear later in life. Sometimes the nipples can be, at least temporarily, returned to normal with inverted nipple correction done at home. Other times the only treatment for this condition is inverted nipple surgery.
What are Inverted Nipples?
While a normal nipple protrudes or points outward from the front center of the breast, a flat or inverted nipple either remains even or indents into the breast.
To discover whether you have inverted nipples just gently pinch around the edges of the areola, behind the nipple on each of your breasts. If the nipple sticks out, it’s a normal nipple. If on the other hand the nipple lays flat or retracts into the breast, then it is what is called an inverted nipple.
Inverted Nipple Before and After Photo Gallery
What Causes Inverted Nipples?
Inverted nipples can either be congenital (existing from birth) or acquired (occasioned by circumstances later in life). Inverted nipples can also be either temporary or permanent. An individual can have an inverted nipple on one breast and a regular protruding nipple on the other.
Inverted nipples that become evident later in life can be caused by a wide variety of factors including injury and can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition such as infection of the mammary ducts, breast abscess, and cancer.
If you suddenly become aware of one or both of your nipples becoming inverted, when you hadn’t noticed this before, make an appointment with your GP. He or she can decide if there is a need for further testing.
Inverted nipples that have been evident since birth are caused by adhesions at the base (underside) of the nipple that binds it to the underlying tissue.
Inverted Nipple Correction You Can Try at Home
If you find yourself bothered by having one or both of your nipples flat or inverted, you can try inverted nipple correction at home.
Since inverted nipples are connected to the breast tissue underneath them by bands of connecting tissue, loosening or breaking those connections will make the nipple stand out. Gently rolling the nipple may, over the course of time, loosen it so that it may protrude. During this inverted nipple correction, the inverted nipple is stretched and gently rolled several times a day. A plastic syringe can be used to draw out the nipple and make it available for this procedure.
Special suction devices that place vacuum pressure on the nipple are also available as are special kinds of clamps. These have been found useful in some cases. Stretching out the nipple, followed by infant breastfeeding, where possible can at times result in permanent protraction.
When Should I Consider Inverted Nipple Surgery?
Some women have reported long-term inverted nipple correction after breastfeeding. Besides this, the only permanent solution appears to be cosmetic surgery.
Other than their effect on breastfeeding, flat or inverted nipples are a cosmetic issue and it depends on how bothersome it is to the individual as to whether they want to consider surgery.
Inverted nipple surgery is only recommended for those patients who are physically healthy, over the age of 18 and are neither pregnant nor breastfeeding.
What Happens During Nipple Surgery?
The latest surgery performed for inverted nipples is designed to preserve both sensation and the ability of a woman to breastfeed. During this surgery, the fibers holding the nipple in are spread and stretched out. This is done by making a small incision in the areola into which dissolving sutures are inserted. These sutures hold the nipple in the desired and projecting position. Additionally, protective devices are placed over the nipple to ensure no retraction occurs during the healing process. The protective devices are removed after a few days.
Usually, there is no visible scarring from the procedure since the incision is so small. The results are immediately visible and are usually permanent.
How Long Will it Take me to Recover After Surgery to Correct Inverted Nipples?
Your nipples will be swollen and tender for several days after the inverted nipple surgery, but you will be able to return to work the following day. Exercise can be resumed in about a week.
If you decide you want to explore the option of having nipple surgery, find and talk with a highly trained and qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon such as Dr. Ganchi. The doctor will be able to go over your personal situation and tell you the pros and cons of having inverted nipple surgery, explain the procedure, recovery, and results.