Most doctors agree that it is usually not necessary to treat inverted nipples with breast reduction surgery.
However, a doctor might recommend surgery if the underlying cause of an inverted nipple is dangerous, like a cancer or infection of the breasts. An estimated 10% of women have more than one inverted nipple, while up to 20% of men have one.
Inverted nipples may be caused by scarring from surgery, excessive fluid retention, or some type of disease. However, other causes can also occur. Women who have had their breasts removed will often have a history of inverted nipples.
The first sign of an inverted nipple is that the nipple will not come out easily. In general, this is seen on the nipple area. The nipple may feel somewhat swollen or sore or it may appear that the nipple has a different color than normal. This is the first sign that something may be wrong. Women who have had breast cancer may also have inverted nipples, because of scarring.
When the nipple appears smaller in size than normal, this could indicate that there are other problems beneath the skin. If the nipple area does not appear normal and does not come out easily, the nipple itself may be damaged.
Often the nipple itself may become smaller and stickier after pregnancy. Sometimes the nipple itself may be injured.
Inverted nipples can also be caused by pregnancy, breastfeeding, or menopause. When a woman stops breastfeeding, her nipples will often go back to their normal size. However, sometimes a baby will make a big difference, as they can often stretch out the breasts. A woman with breast cancer can cause the nipple to become smaller and more wrinkled, which will mimic the inverted nipples associated with cancer.
Sometimes a milk duct can become abnormally enlarged. In this case, the milk duct will appear larger in the nipple area. If the milk duct becomes enlarged, it can make the nipple appear to be bigger. However, the milk duct will not be able to flow down into the breasts correctly, creating an inverted nipple.
Sometimes a cyst in the milk duct will cause the nipple to appear to be larger or smaller in size. This is another cause for an inverted nipple.
Another common cause is cancer.
Inverted nipples can be embarrassing and uncomfortable, but many women find that the appearance of these types of nipples is usually temporary, since the breasts begin to return to their normal size after breastfeeding or the cyst is treated. Some women may not even notice any change in their appearance after breastfeeding, but others may be very aware that they are upside down.
Many times the inverted nipple will disappear if the breast size and shape to return to their normal size. In some cases, a nipple may appear upside down if the nipple is bruised or irritated.
If you think your nipples have become upside down, it is important to talk to your doctor about the matter. He or she can perform a physical exam to determine if something is physically wrong with the nipple, which could mean a breast problem.
If the nipple seems to have fallen off, there may be several options. A good surgeon will be able to reattach the nipple and make the nipple larger or smaller. or larger so that it does not look upside down.
If your nipples do not seem to get bigger or smaller, it may be best to wait for the growth to slow down. before taking any steps to correct the problem.
If you think your nipples may be damaged, then your doctor may recommend surgery to reattach the milk duct or to remove the cyst, which may result in inverted nipples. If the milk duct is damaged, then your doctor may also recommend the use of a saline solution to reduce the inflammation caused by the injury.
If your nipples appear to be larger or smaller than normal after breastfeeding, then there are some ways that you can treat the problem. In order to increase the size of your breasts, you may want to try using silicone breast enhancers.
Although the most common causes of inverted nipples are a cyst in the breast or damage to the milk ducts, some women will have inverted nipples that continue to grow even after breastfeeding, even after they stop using breast enhancing creams. This can be a sign of a different problem such as endometriosis.