Inverted Nipples

Inverted nipples are usually completely harmless and typically appear from birth. Other causes include breastfeeding (this may damage the milk ducts and cause them to retract, pulling the nipples inward) or surgery (scar tissue from previous surgeries may lead to inversion).

When an inverted nipple becomes apparent later in life, it could be due to an underlying medical concern. An inverted nipple is recognised by it having a sunken appearance, as opposed to the nipple protruding outward from the surface of the skin.

You may wish to have a procedure to correct an inverted nipple when it causes personal embarrassment or is obvious through clothing.

Inverted nipples are actually fairly common in both women and men and sometimes can be present only on one side. The severity of inverted nipples can vary and it is defined by a three-level grading system. Mild cases of inverted nipples (nipples are either flat or minimally inverted ) can sometimes be treated without surgery using certain suction devices which can gently stretch and lengthen the milk ducts. Grade 2 and 3 of inverted nipples usually require surgical correction to release the tight milk ducts and achieve a more pleasing nipple appearance.