Patient's question:
During my high school years, my breast development was relatively normal, but I had always psychologically resisted wearing bras, so I never did. However, starting in my sophomore year, since all the girls in my class were wearing bras, I began to wear one as well. Later, I noticed that sometimes both of my nipples were inverted, but at some point, the right nipple started to stick out, relatively normal but still very small. The left nipple has always been inverted, and even when I press it from the side, the protruding nipple is extremely small. My boyfriend once tried to pull it out, but it went back in later. I’m wondering if there are any methods to correct this now? I’m very worried, will it...Doctor's answer:
Hello, nipple retraction can be classified into two types: 1, Primary nipple retraction: This is caused by the underdevelopment of smooth muscle in the nipple and areola, and the lack of supporting tissue under the nipple. 2, Secondary nipple retraction: This is often due to trauma or surgery, breast tumors, or fibrosis after mastitis, which results in the pulling of the nipple by pathological breast tissue. Since nipple retraction affects breastfeeding and makes it difficult to clean the area, it can easily accumulate dirt and lead to secondary infection, causing chronic inflammation and potentially increasing the risk of cancer. Congenital nipple retraction can be treated early through negative pressure suction to pull the nipple. If this is ineffective, surgical correction can be performed. Clinically, in addition to treating the underlying cause, surgical treatment can also be performed. Surgical treatment involves relaxing the fibrous bundles causing the nipple retraction, and if necessary, cutting some or most of the shortened breast ducts. Tissue grafting is used to fill the hollow nipple. A narrow ring is created at the neck of the nipple to prevent the grafted tissue from herniating out. If necessary, flap grafting is performed to enlarge the nipple or create a nipple neck. After surgery, a certain period of nipple traction is performed to prevent recurrence of nipple retraction. The plastic surgery fee is 3800 to 8800 yuan.