This article has been medically reviewed by Dr. Hoàng Thị Ánh Tuyết, Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Vinmec International General Hospital.
The nipple comes in various shapes – large, small, dark-colored, light-colored, protruding, inverted, or flat. An inverted nipple occurs because the milk ducts attached to the nipple are too short. So, what should you do if you have an inverted nipple?
1. What is an inverted nipple?
An inverted nipple is a condition where the nipple is pulled inward, rather than protruding outward. This condition can also be referred to as a retracted nipple, a shrunk nipple, or an inverted nipple. Inverted nipples can be congenital (present from birth) or caused by disease or injury in some women. Any condition that causes inflammation or scarring of the tissue behind the nipple can lead to an inverted nipple.
An inverted nipple can occur at any age, sometimes even from the time a young girl’s breasts start developing, known as congenital inversion. This is a common situation, affecting about 10% of women, where the nipple may be partially or completely inverted on one or both breasts, and it may either stay inverted or fluctuate.
To check if you truly have an inverted nipple, you can try the “pinch” test. Place your thumb and index finger on either side of the nipple, and gently press about 2.5 cm behind the nipple. If the nipple protrudes, it’s normal. If it retracts or disappears, you have an inverted nipple.
2. What should you do if you have an inverted nipple?
Home treatment for inverted nipples can include the following methods:
Hoffman Technique: This is an at-home exercise to treat inverted nipples by manually pulling the nipple outward. The steps are as follows:
- Place your thumb on either side of the base of one nipple.
- Gently press your thumbs into the breast tissue and gently pull your thumbs apart from the base of the nipple.
- Repeat the same for the other breast.
You should perform this exercise for 5 minutes per side, 2 times a day. This will encourage the nipple to protrude more frequently. If needed, consult your doctor for more guidance on this technique.
Nipple Massage:
Massaging the nipple is considered the most effective method for treating an inverted nipple.
- To do this, after a shower, use one hand to lift the breast, and with the other hand, apply some coconut oil. Then, gently massage the nipple in circular motions from outside to inside until the nipple protrudes.
- Continue for about 5–7 minutes until the nipple stays firm.
- This massage should be performed 2–3 times per week to see effective results.
Using a Small Alcohol Cup for Suction: You can use a small alcohol cup to create suction. Each suction session should last about 20 minutes, followed by removing the cup. Perform this twice a day.
Using a Nipple Suction Pump:
You can also use a nipple suction pump to pull the nipple outward, then use your thumb, index finger, and middle finger to gently stretch it. Massage and clean the nipple afterward. It’s recommended to buy a reliable suction pump and read the instructions carefully before use. The nipple area is quite sensitive, and incorrect or excessive use of the pump may cause discomfort. This device is only a support tool and requires long-term use to improve the shape of the nipple.
In cases of mild nipple inversion, during the 7th month of pregnancy, you can clean both nipples with cold water during your shower and gently pull the nipple outward. This can gradually improve the inversion. However, avoid pinching or forcefully stimulating the nipple, as it could lead to preterm labor.
3. How to treat an inverted nipple
For severe cases of nipple inversion that don’t improve with the methods mentioned above, you will need to see a doctor for consultation and surgical treatment. Surgery is an effective way to permanently resolve nipple inversion. There are two types of surgery available:
- Surgery with milk ducts separated: This is a common procedure, but women who undergo this surgery will not be able to breastfeed as the milk ducts are removed.
- Surgery preserving some milk ducts: Also known as the "parachute flap" technique, women undergoing this procedure can still breastfeed because some milk ducts remain intact. The surgeon will use biological sutures to secure the nipple in an outward position and remove any fibrous tissue from the breast, if present. There are various techniques for performing nipple reconstruction to maintain normal nipple sensation, avoid scarring, and preserve the normal function of the milk ducts, ensuring no impact on breastfeeding capability. Additionally, the scar will be hidden discreetly.
At Vinmec International General Hospital in Times City, the plastic surgeon will perform a pain-free procedure without the need for medication or bandage changes. The doctor will administer local anesthesia or general anesthesia (based on the patient’s preference), and the results are immediate after the surgery. You can return to normal activities and work on the same day.
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