FPNSW: Sex Matters: FAQs: I think I have inverted nipples. The middle of my nipples sits flat or sunken in, rather than sticking out or being "hard". It’s embarrassing, but I'm also worried about being able to breastfeed when I have children. Is there a permanent way to fix this while still being able to breastfeed in the future?

FAQs

Question

I think I have inverted nipples. The middle of my nipples sits flat or sunken in, rather than sticking out or being "hard". It’s embarrassing, but I'm also worried about being able to breastfeed when I have children. Is there a permanent way to fix this while still being able to breastfeed in the future?

Answer

Nipples come in all shape and sizes. They can be flat topped, divided into two or more lobes at the tip, pointed, knobby, protrude a little or a lot, or they may be in turned or inverted and look more like a dimple. These variations are all absolutely normal.

If you are worried about your nipples you can always get them checked by your local doctor or Family Planning Clinic. It's important if you do intend to breastfeed to get your breasts checked at the beginning of your pregnancy so that you can sort out any potential nipple problems early.

If your nipples can be coaxed out with a little pressure or squeezing you could try using a "nipplette". This is a suction device you can get from some large pharmacies or order over the internet. You need to wear it daily for several weeks but it has a good rate of success and is certainly preferable to surgery. For more information go to:
http://www.baby.ie/proddetail.asp?products=Breast+Feeding&ID=98

Surgery can be an option. If the nipple can be easily brought outwards then a fairly simple surgical procedure is performed which involves relaxing the muscles that hold the nipple in. This has no impact on future breastfeeding. If the nipple stubbornly refuses to be coaxed out then the surgery needed to correct the inversion usually involves cutting the milk ducts. This can cause problems with future breastfeeding, but then it's difficult to successfully breastfeed with completely inverted nipples anyway.

Cosmetic surgeons usually perform these sorts of procedures and the costs will vary depending on the operation needed. They are usually not covered by Medicare. If you are thinking about this type of surgery be sure to ask the surgeon to go over all the costs involved and the possible risks before you decide to go ahead.