How to cure inverted nipples simply and effectively

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by Doctor Nguyen Dang Dai - Aesthetic Center - Vinmec Times City International Hospital.

Inverted nipples can appear in both men and women, this phenomenon is often overlooked because it does not affect health. However, inverted nipples can be a sign of potential problems, especially for pregnant and lactating women.

1. What causes inverted nipples?

Inverted nipple is a condition in which the nipple is flat or lowered inward relative to the areola (instead of sticking out as usual). Both men and women can experience this condition. The inverted nipple in women during breastfeeding, will affect the child's breast-feeding.
Some people have inverted nipples from birth, others develop inverted nipples after a normal period of time. Inverted nipples can be a sign of disease.
Causes of nipple retraction:
Mammary gland infection or mastitis. Ductal dilatation, which is an abnormal dilation of a duct in breast tissue. Abscess under the areola. Complications of breast surgery. Breast cancer.

2. Is the inverted nipple dangerous?

In most cases, nipples that are inverted from birth do not affect health. However, some women may want treatment for cosmetic reasons.
If you suddenly have a nipple inversion or only one nipple is inverted and/or are accompanied by the following symptoms, you should see a doctor:
Abnormal nipple discharge (milk secretion when you are not pregnant or not giving birth) lactation, yellow, gray or bloody discharge, etc.). Self palpable mass in the breast area. Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, groin,... Nipple sores. Pain and discomfort in the breast area. Prolonged fever. Change in the shape and size of the breast.

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3. Inverted nipples in lactating women

Severely inverted nipples can affect a woman's ability to breastfeed. Depending on the extent of the nipple inversion, breastfeeding can be difficult.
Level 1: You can pull the nipple out gently and can maintain this shape. This level of drop shouldn't cause major problems with breastfeeding. Level 2: You can pull the nipple out, but it's not easy and after releasing the hand, the nipple goes back in. You may have trouble breastfeeding. Grade 3: You cannot pull the nipple out with your hands. When trying to push the nipple out, it immediately retracts in. Breastfeeding in this situation can be very difficult, even impossible. Although a retracted nipple can make breastfeeding difficult, a baby can fully latch on to the areola, pulling the nipple toward the inside of the throat. This means you can still breastfeed with inverted nipples.
Also, nipple stimulation often causes the nipple to protrude. And many cases of inverted nipples protrude spontaneously in pregnant and lactating women.

4. Treatments for Inverted Nipples

Home Treatment You can use Hoffman's technique to self-treat inverted nipples at home. This is a manual exercise at home to bring the nipple out. The steps are as follows:
Place 2 thumbs on either side of the base of the nipple of one breast. Press 2 thumbs firmly into the breast tissue and gently separate 2 fingers away from the base of the nipple. Do the same with the other breast.

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You should do this movement 5 minutes / time with each breast and 2 times / day. This will cause the nipple to point outward. If necessary, ask your doctor for advice and detailed instructions on this technique.
Note: Do not rub the nipple continuously in pregnant women because it can cause increased uterine contractions, leading to premature delivery, unless directed by a doctor.
Using suction devices By vacuum, these devices are a non-invasive way to pull out nipples. There are many types of suction devices on the market. You can buy at reputable establishments and read the instructions carefully before use. Because the nipple area is quite sensitive, you may experience pain when using the pump incorrectly or using too much. This is just an aid, and it takes a long time for your nipple shape to improve.
Plastic surgery The doctor will use biological sutures to fix the nipple to always protrude, and remove the fibrous tissue of the breast, if any. There are many ways that nipple plastic surgery can maintain normal nipple sensation, avoid scarring and maintain normal functioning of lactation ducts and glands, preserving full lactation function so as not to affect the patient's ability to breastfeed, while hiding the scar discreetly.
At Vinmec Times City International General Hospital, during the surgery, plastic surgeons will perform painless surgery, without needing to take medicine or change the dressing. The doctor will administer local anesthesia or anaesthesia (according to the needs of the customer), after the surgery has achieved immediate effect. You can also return to your normal activities and work during the day.
If inverted nipples make you feel self-conscious or worried that you can't breastfeed, or your nipples drop along with other abnormalities in your breasts, go to Vinmec International General Hospital for advice. , treatment and use of the most modern and effective medical services.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.