Inverted nipple
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An inverted nipple is a nipple that, instead of pointing outward, is retracted into the breast. In some cases, the nipple will be temporarily protrude if stimulated, but in others, the inversion is permanent. It can occur in both women and men, and may occur in one or both nipples.
There are several levels of nipple inversion: minor, moderate and severe. Severe nipple inversion would describe a nipple that retracts greatly to alongside or even below the areola.
[edit] "Fixing" Inverted Nipples
Many view inverted nipples as a deformity, and thus some whose nipples are inverted seek ways to make their nipples more "normal." Inverted Nipple Surgery options and risks depend on the severity of the inversion. Typically done under local anesthesia as an outpatient, the operation takes from from 45 minutes to one and a half hours.[1] If the ducts between the breasts and skin need to be divided, normal breast feeding is usually not possible.
[edit] Breastfeeding
In women, one way to protract inverted nipples is breastfeeding. An infant that latches on well may be able to draw out an inverted nipple. While inverted nipples may make breastfeeding more difficult, truly inverted nipples are rare and many women with inverted nipples can breastfeed without complications. The baby sucks on the areola, not the nipple. Some women with inverted nipples report pain or soreness associated with breastfeeding.
Many women use a nipple treatment to help draw the nipple out for breastfeeding. Most experts do not recommend treatment during pregnancy given that pregnancy hormones may help the nipples to protrude before the baby is born.
Another treatment is to shape the nipple. This is known as a “breast sandwich" or “nipple sandwich”, commonly used to get more breast tissue into a baby’s mouth. The use of a breast pump or other suction device immediately before a feeding may help to draw out inverted nipples. A high-quality, hospital grade, electric pump may be used for this purpose. There are special devices specifically designed to draw out inverted nipples before feeding or a home made nipple protractor can be constructed out of a 10 cc disposable syringe. Breast shells may be used to apply gentle constant pressure to the areola in order to try and break any adhesions under the skin that are preventing the nipple from being drawn out. The shells are worn inside the bra. The Hoffman technique is a nipple stretching exercise that may help loosen the adhesions at the base of the nipple when performed several times a day. However, while both techniques are heavily promoted, a 1992 study[2] found that not only do shells and the Hoffman technique not promote more successful breastfeeding, they may actually disrupt it.
[edit] Piercing
Another method of protracting inverted nipples is piercing. This method can be used by either men or women, although it will only be effective if the nipple can be temporarily protracted. If pierced when protracted, the jewelery may prevent the nipple from returning to its inverted state. There is a chance that this will only temporarily be effective, and the nipple may become inverted again.
Piercing inverted nipples poses its own risks. Patrons should observe the following precautions:
- Tell your piercer that you have inverted nipples. This way, they can ensure that your nipples are "out" before piercing.
- Inspect proposed piercing placement carefully before actually piercing.
- Check that your nipples are out completely. If they are not out completely, the piercing is much less likely to heal correctly and is likely to try to revert to its previous inverted state.
- During healing, if you notice that there is less tissue pierced, or you notice that you can feel or see the ring through the tip of the nipple, go and see your piercer. While the nipple may be able to heal, your nipples will end up being different sizes, due to the jewelry sitting differently in each nipple.
Always discuss any piercing issues with a reliable piercer.
[edit] References
- ^ Bermant, MA. Inverted Nipple Surgery with Pictures Before, After, and During Surgery. Retrieved 20 March 2007 .
- ^ Alexander, JM; et al. (Apr 1992). "Randomized controlled trial of breast shells and Hoffman's exercises for inverted and non-proctractile nipples,". British Medical Journal. 304 (6833): 1030-2.
