Want to find out how to fix Inverted Nipples?
Inverted nipples are usually completely harmless and typically appear from birth. Other causes include breastfeeding (this may damage the milk ducts and cause them to retract, pulling the nipples inward) or surgery (scar tissue from previous surgeries may lead to inversion).
When an inverted nipple becomes apparent later in life, it could be due to an underlying medical concern. An inverted nipple is recognized by its having a sunken appearance, as opposed to the nipple protruding outward from the surface of the skin.
You may wish to have a procedure to correct an inverted nipple when it causes personal embarrassment or is obvious through clothing.
How common are Inverted Nipples?
Inverted nipples are actually fairly common in both women and men and sometimes can be present only on one side. The severity of inverted nipples can vary and it is defined by a three-level grading system. Mild cases of inverted nipples (nipples are either flat or minimally inverted ) can sometimes be treated without surgery using certain suction devices which can gently stretch and lengthen the milk ducts. Grade 2 and 3 of inverted nipples usually require surgical correction to release the tight milk ducts and achieve a more pleasing nipple appearance.
What causes Inverted Nipples or Flat Nipples?
Inverted nipples, also known as retracted nipples, do not protrude from the breast. Instead, they lie flat, or point inward. They are usually present from birth as they are mainly caused by an underdeveloped nipple base or milk ducts, which will have occurred in the womb. Inverted nipples can affect both men and women, and may affect either one or both of the breasts.
In many cases, inverted nipples will protrude when manually or sexually stimulated, or when exposed to cold temperatures; however, it’s not uncommon for people to find they stay inverted permanently. When inverted nipples develop as a person gets older, it’s often due to an underlying medical condition which will need to be investigated. This may include: trauma, tissue inflammation, breastfeeding, tumour or infection.
Other Nipple Concerns
Large nipples / areola, are other commonly treated nipple concerns at Chester Cosmetic Surgery. Enlarged nipples and / or areola often occur naturally. They are most likely to cause an aesthetic concern, appearing bigger and more prominent than one would like. For some, the nipples and areola may change size and shape if the breasts also change size; such as during pregnancy, when breastfeeding, during hormonal fluctuations or from having gained weight. People affected by large nipples can often feel self-conscious of their appearance, especially if the nipples tend to be quite protruding and are visible through clothing. This aspect can lead to sore nipples if they then rub regularly against fabric.
Consultation for Nipple Concerns
Treating inverted nipples / nipple concerns at Chester Cosmetic Surgery will require an initial consultation. In order to recommend the right approach we’ll need to identify the possible cause. T
reatment options include inverted nipple correction or nipple and areola reduction, where we will perform the most suitable techniques to achieve your goal.
Niplette – Non Surgical Nipple Treatments
Always consider using alternatives like Niplette – non surgical Nipple Correction – before having surgery.
Inverted Nipple Surgery Results Before and After
Further Reading about Inverted Nipple Correction
- Read Anca’s Procedure Page about Inverted Nipple Correction Surgery