Patient's question:
I am 18 years old, and I have inverted nipples. Will they come out on their own in the future? Or do I need to go to the hospital for surgery to treat my condition?Doctor's answer:
Nipple inversion is caused by congenital developmental abnormalities, including shortening of the milk ducts and partial fibrosis or scar contracture of the connective tissue. The degree of nipple inversion varies from person to person. Mild cases may only manifest as varying degrees of nipple flattening or retraction, and the nipple may protrude or be expressed upon stimulation. Severe cases show the nipple completely retracted into the areola, unable to be pulled out, resembling a crater, and often accompanied by discharge or an odor. Additionally, concave nipples can accumulate dirt or oil, leading to infection or odor. More seriously, nipple inversion makes it difficult for infants to suck milk, resulting in the loss of breastfeeding function.