All About The Inverted Nipple

Inverted nipples are not uncommon.

SO, WHAT CAUSES AN INVERTED NIPPLE?

They are usually a result of an undeveloped, short, or thickened lactiferous duct or ‘milk duct’. They form a branched system that connects the nipple to the mammary gland. When these milk ducts are shortened, they pull on the nipple and cause it to retract inwards. Inverted nipples are usually genetic.

A nipple can be temporarily inverted and can reverse itself with stimulation or changes in temperature. Or a nipple can be permanently inverted.

THERE ARE THREE GRADES OF NIPPLE INVERSION

Grade 1: The nipple can be pulled out and easily maintain projection.

Grade 2: The nipple can be pulled out but can’t maintain projection.

Grade 3: The nipple can’t be pulled out.

If your nipples are inverted there are some steps, you can do to try and correct the inversion.

NIPPLE PIERCINGS TO CORRECT INVERTED NIPPLES

Getting your nipple pierced can sometimes correct an inverted nipple – the jewellery will help stretch the ducts and keep your nipple in an erect position. This isn’t always permanent, and the nipples will usually retract once the piercing is removed. Additionally, the trauma of the piercing may create additional scar tissue that which may make the inversion worse.

SURGERY TO CORRECT INVERTED NIPPLES

If you are looking at a more permanent option, then you may consider cosmetic surgery. Depending on the degree of inversion your doctor may cut around the milk ducts or they may need to cut through the milk ducts. If the milk ducts are cut it will impact on your ability to breastfeed.

Can breast implants fix inverted nipples?

This depends on the degree of inversion, the implant may push and stretch the nipple into an erect position.

Although an inverted nipple isn’t dangerous. If you have a nipple that suddenly inverts for no reason be sure to visit your doctor – in rare cases this may be a sign of breast cancer.

– Dr Ian Chinsee (MED0000975196)
Registered Medical Practitioner, General Registration
Bachelor of Medicine and a Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
Surgical Fellow of the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery & Medicine [FACCSM (surg)]

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