Inverted nipples can be a somewhat concerning issue for some, and a non-issue for others.
The reason for this is that those who are affected by inverted nipples will all have different experiences. Some may have severe nipple inversion, also known as grade 3 nipple inversion, while others will have very mild inversion, known as grade 1 inversion.
Individuals with more severe grades of nipple inversion are more likely to want to seek out nipple correction surgery because there is a chance that their nipples are affecting their ability to breastfeed, and they are more likely to be unhappy with the aesthetics of their bodies.
Whereas individuals with less severe grades of nipple inversion may choose not to proceed with surgery because their ability to breastfeed has not been affected, and their nipple inversion is barely noticeable.
So, how can people with inverted nipples get their nipples to evert, either through surgical or non-surgical means? Carry on reading to find out what options are available.
How to fix inverted nipples without surgery
There are many options if you’d like to correct your inverted nipple without surgery, provided that your inversion is not severe.
The most common method used to fix a pulled-in nipple is stimulation. Simply rolling your nipple between your fingers or pinching your areola can be enough to cause your nipple to emerge from its inversion.
A slightly more uncommon method is using a breast pump. The suction provided by this device can be enough to fix your nipple inversion, and you don’t need to be lactating to use one.
Alternative methods for inverted nipple correction
If you are someone who would like to avoid surgery where possible, you may want to better understand some alternative methods that you can use to fix inverted nipples without surgery.
Some alternative methods include;
- Suction devices that help the nipple protrude.
- Manual stimulation, such as the Hoffman technique.
- Nipple piercing to draw out inverted nipples.
- Breastfeeding can help draw out the nipple.
If you wish to further explore the potential options for fixing an inverted nipple, we will always suggest that you discuss it with an experienced healthcare professional or surgeon.
Inverted nipple corrector
Inverted nipple correctors are more formal pieces of equipment used to fix inverted nipples without surgery. They may be called nipple extractors, cups, or nipple retractors.
All of these devices are designed to fit around your areola and provide suction over a longer duration than what you would perform with a breast pump. Some devices may even fit under your clothing, allowing you to go about your day while wearing one.
Similar to other non-surgical treatments, these devices will likely only be effective for individuals with grade 1 nipple inversion, and even then, they will likely not be permanent fixes.
Can you get inverted nipples pierced?
If you have a mild case of nipple inversion, it is possible for you to get your nipples pierced.
This is quite an unorthodox approach to fixing inverted nipples. By stimulating your nipple so that it everts, you can then have your nipple pierced, which would prevent your nipple from inverting again in the future while your piercing is present.
Of course, this is not a guaranteed method of treatment. Once you remove your piercing, there is a chance that your nipple could invert again, and with the addition of new scar tissue, your inversion may be more severe than before.
And you have other concerns associated with body piercings to consider, such as infections, pain, and the potential harm to your ability to breastfeed.
At what age can you fix inverted nipples?
Most clinics advise that clients be at least 18 years old before they even consider how to fix inverted nipples. This is because, as teenagers, your breasts are still evolving, and breast growth isn’t entirely complete.
It is recommended that you wait until you have fully developed, as this will give the results a better chance of working and creating lasting results.
Inverted nipple surgery
Inverted nipple surgery is the only surefire way to permanently fix inverted nipples; however, this often comes at the cost of not being able to breastfeed afterwards.
The reason why breastfeeding is affected is precisely the reason why surgery is so effective. Nipple inversion is most frequently caused by tight milk ducts that pull the nipple inwards, so by detaching the milk ducts, this inward pressure disappears and the nipple can relax outward.
There is the potential that a surgeon could fix your nipple inversion and preserve your milk ducts, although this depends on the reason why your nipples are inverted in the first place.
Because it involves surgery, there is the element of inverted nipple treatment cost to consider. Non-surgical methods are much cheaper (or possibly free), but their abilities are limited, and if you have grade 3 nipple inversion, then you will likely be out of scope for common at-home remedies.
New Birkdale nipple correction surgery
If inverted nipples are causing you discomfort, contact our team at New Birkdale Clinic and book a consultation. An experienced surgeon will examine your case and determine whether you are eligible for surgery.
FAQs
How to fix inverted nipples with a syringe
If you would like to avoid the surgical correction of your inverted nipples, you could use the syringe method. By positioning the base of an inverted syringe over your nipple and gently pulling until your nipple is everted, you may see long-lasting results.
How to fix inverted nipples for breastfeeding
Focus on methods that promote protrusion prior to each feeding, including rolling or nipple stimulation and tools like suction pumps. Using cold compresses can also be a great method for keeping the nipple erect for breastfeeding.
At what age do nipples pop out fully?
Nipple protrusion is a natural part of breast development during puberty, meaning that your nipples will naturally protrude from ages 8 to 13.
How to fix inverted nipples naturally
Because nipples are erectile tissue, there are some alternative methods that you can use on them that do not require surgery. For example, you can use manual methods such as the Hoffman method to roll the nipple out of place.
