What to do if the nipple is inverted?

The article was professionally consulted with Specialist Doctor I Nguyen Thi Man - Obstetrician and Gynecologist - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Danang International General Hospital.

Inverted nipples or inverted nipples not only affect aesthetics, but also affect breastfeeding later on for women. Therefore, those who suffer from this condition need to know some methods to help overcome it.

Inverted nipple is a condition in which the nipple is retracted inside the breast and can occur in one or both breasts. Both men and women are at risk for this condition.
Nipple inversion is divided into 3 levels, the manifestations of nipple inversion are as follows:
Mild: the nipple protrudes easily when gently pressing the areola and when releasing the hand, it remains in that position, not indented. back immediately. At this level, it is still possible to breastfeed normally. Medium: The nipples still protrude when pressed but not very easily and they retract as soon as you stop pressing. This level of nipple makes breastfeeding difficult. Severe: The nipple is inverted and does not respond to your impacts and cannot be pulled out. This is the most severe level because the breasts will have a lot of cystic fibrosis and the milk ducts will be indented a lot. You may also experience redness or infection at this level and will not be able to breastfeed. If your nipples are inverted since childhood or puberty, this is not a sign of disease. If nipple retraction has occurred recently, especially after you've turned 50, it could be a sign of a medical condition like cancer, paget's disease of the nipple, or an infection.

Mild to moderate levels of nipple insufficiency can be improved at home. The severity should be examined at medical facilities for appropriate treatment. Remedies include:
Use the Hoffman technique. Place both thumbs on either side of the nipple. Gently move two thumbs in opposite directions, one finger up and one finger down, or one finger to the left and one to the right. It should be done twice a day at the beginning of the exercise and gradually increased. This will dissolve the tumor causing the nipple to be inverted. Stimulating the nipple with your hand or mouth during sex. Rounding, pulling, or sucking on the nipple can all help it emerge. Rubbing the nipple with your thumb and index finger several times a day or pulling it gently while it is erect will help the nipple protrude. After doing the above movements, wet a towel with cold water and put it on the nipples to stimulate them more. Use products that help pull the nipple out, such as: Nipple protectors. The protector will put pressure on the nipple to keep it protruding. Both sexes can use this product. It can also stimulate lactation in lactating women. Note that this pad should not be worn continuously for many days and clean the breast. Use a breast pump. Use while pregnant or breastfeeding by placing the breast pump on the breast and adjusting the nipple to the center of the hole. Breast pumps come in a variety of sizes, so choose the one that's best for you. Use a Niplette machine. This is a device that lengthens milk ducts by pulling on the nipple for an extended period of time. The device is small, clear, made of plastic and can be worn on the chest under a shirt. Attach the cylinder to the open end of the valve and press firmly. Apply the pump to the nipple with one hand and pull the cylinder with the other to create traction. Use a flexible cup. These cups are available online and are specifically designed to treat an inverted nipple by pulling it into the cup. Many trials have proven that this cup can permanently cure indentation in just a few weeks. Align the cup to the nipple and squeeze the bottom of the cup, while gently pressing the cup against your nipple. This will apply gentle pressure to pull the nipple in the direction into the cup. Surgery. Surgery is prescribed by the doctor. Your doctor will advise you whether you need surgery or not. New methods can also intervene without affecting the milk ducts and still be able to breastfeed after surgery. If you need consultation and examination at Vinmec Hospitals of the national health system, please book an appointment on the website for service.