Facebook Pixel

Help for Inverted Nipples

 
Rate This

Whether you're concerned about breastfeeding successfully or just a bit embarrassed in intimate situations, you should know there is help for inverted nipples. In most cases, a simple, nearly painless procedure can bring nipples out of hiding.

Inverted nipples sink inward toward the breast instead of pointing outward. There are varying levels of severity, starting with those that "come out" (or become "everted"), with stimulation or cold temperatures. These are nipples some people call "shy nipples." In the most severe cases, nipples are firmly inverted and never project outward. Women with shy nipples are often successful in breastfeeding, while women whose nipples are difficult or impossible to evert tend to struggle to breastfeed successfully.

Breastfeeding itself can cause nipple inversion if significant scar tissue builds up over time. However, in most cases inverted nipples are present at birth. Many women have inverted nipples on both breasts, occasionally only one nipple is inverted.

To correct inverted nipples, a physician will snip tissue or small fiber strands that pull the nipple inward. Care must be taken to leave all milk ducts intact. The surgeon will then place sutures to close the small wounds and help ensure nipples remain in the everted position after healing. Most often the simple procedure can be done under local anesthesia or local anesthesia with intravenous sedation. Healing takes several days and scars are typically not noticeable at all.

If you're interested in finding out more, be sure to consult a surgeon with plenty of experience in nipple surgery. Correcting inverted nipples is not the riskiest of procedures, but if not performed with skill and experience, nipples can return to the inverted position. As always, do your research!

Add a CommentComments

There are no comments yet. Be the first one and get the conversation started!

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.
By submitting this form, you agree to EmpowHER's terms of service and privacy policy

We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.

Breast Conditions

Get Email Updates

Breast Conditions Guide

Have a question? We're here to help. Ask the Community.

ASK

Health Newsletter

Receive the latest and greatest in women's health and wellness from EmpowHER - for free!