How to Treat An Inverted Nipple

Do inverted nipples require treatment?

Inverted nipples indent more than they protrude. They can occur on one or both breasts. It’s estimated that 9 to 10 percent of women have at least one inverted nipple. Men can have them, too.

Some nipples only invert sometimes, and can reverse after changes in temperature or stimulation. Others nipples can be permanently inverted. This means that they’ll remain inverted unless you try to reverse them through one of the methods described below.

In most cases, having an inverted nipple won’t affect you. This natural occurrence doesn’t increase your risk for any health complications. And it shouldn’t affect your nipple sensitivity.

If you want to reverse an inverted nipple for aesthetic reasons, keep reading.

Inverted nipple treatment at home

If you’re looking for a temporary solution, you may want to consider:

Hoffman technique

The Hoffman technique for drawing out inverted nipples has been in use since the 1950s. To try it:

  • Place your thumbs on either side of your nipple. Be sure to place them at the base of the nipple, not the outside of the areola.
  • Press firmly into your breast tissue.
  • While still pressing down, gently pull your thumbs away from each other.
  • Move your thumbs all around the nipple and repeat.

You can do this whenever you’d like for your nipples to protrude, but it isn’t clear how long this effect will last. For best results, practice this technique at least once a day. Regular stimulation may help your nipples protrude more often.

There haven’t been any studies proving whether it’s effective. Everyone’s breasts are different, so try not to get discouraged if this method doesn’t work for you.

Suction devices

There are some suction devices promoted for reversing inverted nipples. Most are worn under clothing for extended periods of time.

These products are sold under a variety of names, including:

  • nipple retractors
  • nipple extractors
  • shells
    • cups

These devices usually work by pulling the nipple into a small cup. This stimulates the nipple and makes it protrude.

When used over time, these devices can help loosen the nipple tissue. This can help your nipples remain erect for longer periods of time.

Popular options include:

  • Avent Niplette
  • Pippetop Inverted Nipple Protractor
  • Medela SoftShells for Inverted Nipples
  • Supple cups

There hasn’t been any research on the effectiveness of suction devices. Some people may experience nipple protrusion and others may not. Most devices are inexpensive and may be worth a try.

Nipple piercings as treatment for inverted nipple?

Nipple piercing is sometimes done to draw out inverted nipples. This is because jewelry worn in the piercing can help keep your nipple in an erect position.

If you’re interested in getting your nipples pierced, do your research. You’ll want to be sure any piercer you choose has a license and experience piercing inverted nipples. Your best bet is to call piercing parlors in your area and let them know what you’re looking for.

Surgery

If you’re looking for something permanent, your only option is surgery.

There are two different types of surgeries: surgery that preserves the milk ducts and surgery that doesn’t.

Surgery with partial preservation of milk ducts

This is also known as the “parachute flap” technique. Women undergoing this procedure should still be able to breastfeed because some of the milk duct system remains attached. You shouldn’t experience a change in nipple sensation.

Here’s how it works:

  • After applying local anesthesia, your doctor will make an incision around the base of your nipple.
  • While still attached, the nipple and areola are both lifted from the breast and sewn into a protruding shape.
  • Your doctor will then close the incision and apply medicated gauze.
Surgery with detached milk ducts

This procedure is more common. Women undergoing this procedure won’t be able to breastfeed because of the removal of the milk ducts. You shouldn’t experience a change in nipple sensation.

Here’s how it works:

  • Your doctor will apply local anesthesia before making an incision at the base of the nipple.
  • Your milk ducts are then detached. This will allow the nipple to protrude.
  • Your doctor will then close the incision and apply medicated gauze.

Each surgical option typically takes one to two hours. You should be able to return home within a few hours of the surgery.

Talk to your doctor about which option is right for you.

Grades of nipple inversion

There are three grades of inverted nipples. The grades determine or describe:

  • the degree of inversion
  • the likely effect of the inversion on breastfeeding
  • the best solution if you want the inversion altered

Grade 1: Placing your thumb and index finger on the areola and pushing or squeezing gently can pull out the nipple. The nipple will often stay out for some period of time. Stimulation or breastfeeding can also draw the nipple out.

Grade 2: This grade means it may be more difficult to pull out the nipple than a grade 1 inversion. When released, the nipple retracts inward.

Grade 3: It’s difficult or impossible to pull the inverted nipple out.

Both the Hoffman technique and suction cups may be more successful for people with grade 1 or 2 inversion. Surgery can typically remove any grade of inversion.

How to determine your grade of nipple inversion

Many people know that they have inverted nipples, but aren’t clear on how inverted their nipples are.

Here’s how to figure it out:

  1. Take off your shirt and any undergarments you have on.
  2. While standing in front of a mirror, hold the areola on each breast between your thumb and forefinger.
  3. Gently press inward. You should firmly press about an inch or so into the breast.
  4. Take note of how your nipples respond and use this to assess their grade.

Can you breastfeed with inverted nipples?

For some women, inverted nipples can make breastfeeding more difficult. Some women find that their baby has a hard time latching onto the nipple to feed. This may be because, due to inversion, the nipple doesn’t become erect.

If you plan to become pregnant or are already breastfeeding, talk with your doctor.

There are some techniques that you can use to help bring the nipple out, including:

  • nipple shields to help the baby latch on
  • breast shields to apply pressure to the nipple, helping it protrude
  • manual nipple stimulation with your hands

You may also find that milk flows better when using a breast pump.

Are inverted nipples less sensitive?

The only difference between inverted and erect nipples is in the contract nerves — not the sensory nerves. Inverted nipples can experience the same sensations as erect nipples. Nipple sensitivity can also vary from person to person.

You may find that you feel more, or less sensation depending on the situation. For example, you may feel more sensation during manual stimulation than when the nipple brushes against the fabric of your bra or shirt.

Are inverted nipples permanent?

Some people may only experience inversion some of the time, and others will experience inversion all the time. Others may find that nipples that once seemed permanently inverted now fluctuate between inverted and erect.

Many women experience inverted nipples during pregnancy, even if their nipples weren’t inverted before becoming pregnant. This is especially true of women who are pregnant for the first time.

The bottom line

Nipple inversion is one of several common breast variations. It shouldn’t have any effect on your health.

Often inversion can be temporarily adjusted through manual stimulation. If you’d prefer something more permanent, talk to your doctor about nipple piercing and options for surgery. They can walk you through the potential benefits and risks of each option.

Women who are breastfeeding, or women who may want to breastfeed, should take this into consideration when exploring piercing or surgical options. Piercing may inhibit your ability to breastfeed, and certain surgeries can prevent you from producing milk.

When to see your doctor

Nipple inversion typically isn’t cause for concern if it:

Read more on: treatment