Removing the nipple

A flat or flattened nipple (which looks like it is hidden in the breast) is also found in men and women. The potential causes of this problem are many: in some people it occurs at birth, and in others it develops due to disease. If the flatness of the nipple (nipple) has not been observed since childhood or adolescence and you now feel any problems with it, then consult a specialist. If you are over the age of 50 and notice changes in breast shape, consult a doctor immediately and get tested for the subject of breast cancer.

In general, a nipple that is pulled in can cause discomfort from an aesthetic point of view, and in more complex cases, can cause difficulties during breastfeeding. Fortunately, there are different ways to solve this problem - manual stimulation (exercise, massage), special tools and surgery.

Creating an action plan

Determining the degree of inversion of the nipple

Take off your coat and stand in front of the mirror. Squeeze the nipple with the head and index finger along the edges of the areola (dark circle surrounding the nipple), about 2.5 cm before the nipple. Depending on the reaction of the breast, three levels of inversion can be distinguished.

• 1st degree. The nipple comes out easily even when the areola is slightly compressed. If the areola is released, the protrusion of the nipple is maintained for some time, then returns to its original position. The inward pull of the 1st degree breast is unlikely to cause difficulty in breastfeeding, but can cause aesthetic and psychological discomfort.

• 2st degree: The nipple comes out when the areola is compressed, but not easily. When the pressure stops, it immediately goes back inside. The fact that the tip of the 2nd degree nipple is inside can probably lead to difficulties in breastfeeding. It is also often associated with moderate fibrosis and is accompanied by a slight narrowing of the milk ducts.

• 3st degree: The nipple is flat and does not respond to any manipulation. This is the most severe degree of suction inversion and is accompanied by significant fibrosis and narrowing of the milk ducts. In grade 3 inversion of the breast, infections are more likely to occur or a rash may appear on the breast, and breastfeeding is almost impossible.

Check both nipples, as both nipples may not be pulled in at the same time.

Causes of nipple retraction

If you have had pacifiers look like this since childhood or adolescence, then it is unlikely that this condition is a sign of any disease. If the changes have happened recently, and especially if you are over 50, the cause may be an illness or infection. Cancer and other serious pathologies (infectious diseases and inflammatory process) can lead to the development of inversion of the breast.

• If you are over the age of 50 and your breast is more flattened or inward than usual, get tested for a breast cancer item right away.

• Women over the age of 50 are at risk of developing Pedget’s disease.

• A pink discharge from the nipple, the appearance of a crust on its nipple, itching of the skin around the nipple can be a sign of breast cancer.

• If dirty, white, green or black discharge comes out of the nipples, consult a doctor.

• Increased sensitivity of the nipples, their redness and thickening can be a sign of problems with the milk ducts.

• If a painful swelling appears, pus comes out when it is pressed or cut, and a fever comes out of it, it could be an areola abscess.

Choice of treatment

The method of treatment depends on the degree and cause of the infiltration of the breast, as well as whether you are planning to breastfeed.

• If there is a 1st degree of nipple inversion, then manual methods can weaken the fibrosis and bring the nipple back to normal.

• If you have 2 or 3 degrees of nipple inversion, it is best to consult a doctor so that he or she can create an individualized treatment plan for you. In some cases, non-invasive methods can be very effective, while in other cases the best solution would be surgical intervention.

• If you are pregnant or want to start breastfeeding, consult your doctor or breastfeeding consultant.

Manual techniques for breast augmentation

Place both thumbs on opposite sides of the nipple, at the base. Pull your fingers apart in the opposite direction. Perform these movements in all directions - up and down and to the sides.

• First, do the exercise twice a day, then increase it to five times.

• This exercise is believed to break the adhesions at the base of the nipple that cause it to contract.

Rotate the pacifier between the thumb and index fingers several times a day. Carefully pull the pacifier and keep it in an elongated position, rotating it between your fingers. Then, dampen the towel with cold water and wipe the breasts with it.

Special tools

Buy breast cups

They are sold in stores and online stores for pregnant women. The nipples are soft, slightly convex discs with a small hole in the center that pushes the nipple forward.

• Place the nipple in the nipple cup and the nipple in the small nipple.

• Wear them under a T-shirt, shirt or underwear. An extra layer of clothing may be needed to hide these cups.

• If you are preparing to breastfeed, wear the teat at least 30 minutes before breastfeeding.

• The nipples create a slight pressure on the tip of the nipple, keeping it in an excited position. This method can be used by both women and men to treat infiltrated suckers.

• Such cups can stimulate lactation and breastfeeding in women. It is not recommended for breastfeeding women to wear such cups regularly, especially for several days. If you also wear cups while breastfeeding, wash them periodically with warm water and soap.

• When wearing cups, pay attention to the area around the chest as they can cause a rash.

Use a milk sucker

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, use this device to remove the nipple. There are many types of them today. Follow the instructions attached to each one when using it.

Use an invert syringe

The nipple can be pulled forward with a clean 10 ml syringe (the size of the syringe may vary depending on the size of the nipple).

• Using clean, sharp scissors, cut the tip of the syringe at the point where the “0 ml” mark (on the side opposite the syringe plunger) is located.

• Take out the piston and insert it from the side you cut now. Press until the piston goes to the end.

• Place the uncut side of the syringe over the sucker and pull the plunger.

• If you feel discomfort, stop pulling the piston.

• Before removing the syringe, push the plunger forward slightly to reduce the pressure.

• After the process is complete, wash all parts of the syringe in warm soapy water.

• You can also buy a special medical device that works the same way.

Special tools include Nippete and Supple Cups.

Medical treatment

Although it is preferable to remove the problem without surgery, in some cases the best solution may be surgery. The most modern methods used in such operations have made it possible to correct breast inversion without damaging the milk ducts, however, it will be possible to continue breastfeeding even after surgery. Consult your surgeon, who will determine if you need surgery.

• This short operation is performed in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia. It will be possible to return home on the day of surgery as this surgery is minimally invasive. The day after surgery, you will probably get back to your daily routine (e.g., going to work).

• Discuss future surgery with your doctor. Learn how the practice should be done and what results to expect.

• Your doctor should carefully review your medical history to assess the causes of your condition.

Carefully follow all instructions given by your doctor before and after surgery.

Tips

Some breast cups have a hole of two sizes: larger ones are designed to protect the inflamed and sensitive nipple, while in the case of breast inversion, small perforated cups should be obtained.

Warnings

Some methods of removing the nipple are not recommended during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, contact your doctor before resolving the issue of breast inversion.