What happens when the nipple is inverted?

The article was professionally consulted by Doctor Hoang Thi Anh Tuyet - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.

Nipples come in many different shapes – large, small, dark, light, raised, inverted or flat. The reason for nipple inversion is because the milk ducts attached to the nipple are too short. So what to do if the nipple is inverted?

Nipple inversion is a condition in which the nipple is pulled inward instead of outward. This condition may also be called nipple inversion, nipple retraction, or nipple inversion. Inverted nipples can be a normal congenital condition or arise as a result of illness or injury in some women. Any condition that causes inflammation or scarring in the tissues behind the nipple can be the cause of nipple inversion.
Inverted nipples can appear at any age, sometimes seen from the time girls start to develop breasts, called congenital. This is a common case, accounting for about 10% of women, people with nipple inversion can be partial or complete, one or both breasts, nipples often or sometimes not.
To check if your nipples are really inverted, you can try the “clamp” test. Hold your breast between your thumb and index finger then gently press about 2.5cm behind the nipple. If your nipples protrude, that's normal. If it shrinks or disappears, you really have inverted nipples.

For mild cases of inverted nipples, you can self-apply some home remedies:
Hoffman's technique :
This is a home exercise with the effect of self-treatment of inverted nipples at home by hand to bring 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. You should do this movement 5 minutes / time with each breast and 2 times / day. This will cause the nipple to turn outward more often. If necessary, ask your doctor for advice and detailed instructions on this technique.
Nipple massage:
Nipple massage is considered the most effective remedy for nipple insufficiency.
To perform after bathing, use one hand to lift the breast, the other hand to use a little coconut oil, then rotate the massage in the direction from the outside to the inside until the nipple comes out. Continue to do about 5-7 minutes until the nipple remains erect, then stop. With this massage, you should apply it 2-3 times a week to see the effect. Use a small glass of wine as a straw to suck out, for about 20 minutes each time, then take it out, do it twice a day.
Use a nipple suction machine:
You can use a nipple suction machine to suck out the nipple, then use the tip of your thumb, index finger and middle finger to pull it out, massage and wipe the nipple as above. You should buy a breast pump at reputable establishments and read the instructions carefully before using. Because the nipple area is a rather sensitive area, you may experience pain when using the vacuum incorrectly or using too much. This is just an aid, and it takes a long time for your nipple shape to improve.
In the case of mild nipple inversion, from the 7th month of pregnancy onwards, every day when taking a bath, washing the nipples with cold water and gently pulling the nipples gradually can also improve the condition. The condition of the nipple is inverted, but absolutely do not touch or stimulate the nipple strongly because it can lead to premature birth.

For severe cases of nipple insufficiency that cannot be overcome by applying the above measures, you need to see a doctor for advice and perform surgery to solve nipple insufficiency. Surgery is an effective treatment for inverted nipples that can help you treat the condition permanently. There are two different types of surgery, including:
Surgery with separated milk ducts : This procedure is quite common, women undergoing this procedure will not be able to breastfeed because the milk ducts have been removed. .
Surgery to preserve part of the milk ducts: also known as the "parachute flap" technique, women who have this procedure can still breastfeed because some of the duct system is still attached. 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 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.

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