Many women are unhappy with the appearance of their breasts. However, the displeasure is often not necessarily related to the shape and size of the breasts, but to the nipples. They can vary in shape, colour and size and therefore look different on every woman. There is no "right" or "wrong" type of nipple. Every body is unique, and the variety of nipples contributes to the beauty and individuality of the human body. Some women have no problem with the appearance of their nipples. Others, however, pursue their own ideal of beauty and do not want to put up with retracted nipples, for example. We can treat these so-called inverted nipples in the Acura clinic in Weert by nipple correction.
What do retracted nipples look like?
Retracted nipples do not protrude outwards. Instead, they are flat and retracted into the surrounding skin. In this context, we also speak of inverted nipples, inverted nipples or inverted nipples. There are different degrees of retraction, from slight to severe:
Slightly retracted nipples
It is possible that the inverted nipples are only slightly inwards. In this case, they still rise slightly above the surrounding skin and are therefore still partially visible.
Moderately retracted nipples
In this case, the nipples are more inverted and may therefore be less clearly visible. They could be at the level of the surrounding skin or slightly below it.
Severely retracted nipples
In this case, the inverted nipples are clearly retracted into the skin. They may lie completely flat in the skin or even be directed inwards.
What are the causes of inverted nipples?
At low temperatures or during stimulation, the muscle that is located in the Nipple together. The forces emanating from it push the nipple outwards. This causes it to straighten and protrude. In addition, the milk ducts, which run from the glandular tissue to the nipple, pull inwards. They generate a retracting force on the nipple. If the inward pull of the milk ducts is stronger than the force of the muscle (which raises the nipple), inverted nipples can develop. In this case, the strength of the pull of the milk ducts is decisive.
The intensity of these forces differs from nipple to nipple. As a result, the severity of inverted nipples (see above) can also vary considerably, sometimes even between the left and right nipple. Other factors that can lead to inverted nipples are
Anatomical variations
Some people are born with inverted nipples, which are simply a natural variation of their body shape.
Short milk ducts
The milk ducts that transport milk from the mammary glands to the nipple are shorter than usual in some women. This can lead to the nipple being pulled inwards.
Weak muscles
If the muscle that normally raises the nipple is too weak, this can lead to the nipple remaining retracted.
Scarring
Scar tissue, whether due to injury, surgery or other influences, could affect the normal alignment of the nipple.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Both factors can cause changes in the breast tissue, including the milk ducts and nipples.
Inflammations or infections
They can cause changes in the breast tissue, which can lead to an inversion of the nipple.
Tumours or growths
Although rare, benign or malignant growths in the breast tissue can change the shape of the nipple.
Changes in weight
Significant weight changes can affect the breast tissue and the shape of the nipples.
Please note: Many women with inverted nipples have no health problems and it is purely an aesthetic issue. However, seek urgent medical advice from your gynaecologist if your nipples suddenly change and are accompanied by other symptoms (e.g. pain or discharge). A thorough examination will enable your gynaecologist to rule out serious illnesses.
Treatment for inverted nipples
There are two ways to treat inverted nipples:
Niplette suction device
The Niplette is a medical suction device made of plastic that you place over your nipple. The procedure, which works via a vacuum, is suitable for mild forms of inverted nipples. The vacuum created gently pulls on your nipple, causing it to be pulled outwards over a longer period of time. This stretches the surrounding tissue and can improve the shape of the nipple. You can wear the Niplette for a longer period of time.
Nipple correction/surgery for retracted nipples
For more pronounced and complex cases, surgery at our Acura clinic in Weert may be the more effective treatment option. During surgical correction, we separate the glandular ducts and the connective tissue responsible for the retraction from your nipple via a small incision. This allows us to position the nipple outwards. To stabilise and fix the retracted nipple, we can use additional self-dissolving stitches.
Nipple correction in Weert
If you are bothered by the appearance of your nipples, we are here for you. We will advise you on the treatment options and provide you with detailed information about a possible operation. Just get in touch with us!
© Photo "Cropped view of nude woman covering breast with hands isolated on grey" by LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS | stock.adobe.com
© Photo "Medical diagram of different nipple shapes" by Daria | stock.adobe.com