Patient's question:
I have had inverted nipples since I was a child. Now that my breasts are starting to develop, the inversion has become more pronounced. Do I need treatment? If so, how is it treated? I urgently need a response, thank you!Current general condition: It's hard to pinpoint.
Doctor's answer:
Hello: Nipple inversion refers to the condition where the nipple is buried within the breast. Although the breasts of young women may be prominent, some may have nipples that never protrude and remain hidden within the breast, causing them distress. They may hesitate to take showers in public bathrooms for fear of others seeing that their breasts lack nipples. However, by promptly adopting corrective measures, the majority of inverted nipples can be restored to their normal position, and the aesthetic appearance of the breasts can be restored.Nipple inversion occurs when the entire nipple is hidden within the breast. The nipple may be level with the breast or even lower than the skin surface of the areola, but its direction remains forward or slightly tilted. A common cause of inverted nipples during puberty is during breast development. Some young women, fearing their breasts will grow too large, may wear excessively tight bras or tightly bind them with cloth strips, which can hinder breast development and compress the nipples, preventing them from growing normally. Additionally, inflammation or injury to the breast during development, followed by scar tissue contraction after healing, can also lead to nipple inversion.
Nipple inversion not only affects a woman's aesthetic silhouette but, more importantly, it can impact breastfeeding. If inversion is severe, it may lead to mastitis due to the accumulation of dirt or bacteria. Therefore, it is essential to correct nipple inversion promptly. Common methods include:
(1) Choosing a properly sized bra: Avoid and correct the practice of tight-binding the chest. A bra that is too small and tight can compress the chest and affect breathing. Since women primarily rely on chest breathing, an overly tight bra is like tightening a rope around the chest, restricting respiratory movement and preventing further worsening of nipple inversion.
(2) Pulling method: When inverted nipples are detected, gently pull them outward with fingers every morning and evening. Simultaneously, lightly massage the nipples with the thumb or index finger for 5–10 minutes each session.
(3) Compression method: Wear a smaller bra or a cloth strip (about 10 cm wide) with a hole the size of the nipple in the corresponding position. After wearing the bra or cloth strip, the nipple will be pushed outward. Persistence with this method can gradually restore protruding nipples. Alternatively, a walnut shell or a small ceramic wine cup can be placed on the nipple and covered with a bra, applying pressure for a period to make the nipple protrude.
(4) Negative pressure method: Use a syringe needle or the wide end of a glass eye-dropper bottle to cover the nipple. Connect a rubber tube to the narrow end of the bottle and attach it to a large syringe. By forcefully pumping air, negative pressure is generated, which deepens the pressure around the nipple, causing it to protrude. After applying the bottle, combine it with pulling and massage.