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Inverted Nipples
Inverted nipples are fairly common- affecting maybe as many
as 1 in 10 women. The problem of inverted nipples is purely
cosmetic, but can be a source of frustration or embarrassment
for a lot of women.
They do not pose any health risk, although they may be troublesome
to new mothers attempting to get an infant to latch on to
the breast and feed.
The easiest way to check whether your nipples are innies or
outies is to gently pinch behind one, around the edges of
the areola (the dark circle). If the nipple protrudes, it
is an outie. However, an inverted nipple will actually retract
into the breast.
For these women, most solutions are rather simple. Inverted
nipples are actually connected to the breast tissue underneath
them by bands of connective tissue. If these connections can
be loosened or broken, the nipple will stand out. Some easy
solutions to try include coaxing the nipple out with ice or
stimulation. Gently rolling the nipple may do the trick.
For pregnant women who need to correct nipples for breastfeeding,
breast shells may be found in either maternity shops or in
the hospital maternity ward. Worn inside the bra, breast shells
consist of a small plastic disc with a hole in the center,
which allows the nipple to protrude. The disc is then covered
by a dome to allow air to circulate. The shell exerts some
pressure, encouraging the nipple to stand outward.
Beyond breastfeeding, since there is no medical evidence
that inverted nipples are harmful, women who dislike them
face a largely cosmetic problem. If the solutions above don't
work, she does have the option of plastic surgery. Several
different procedures can be used to correct inverted nipples,
and most are geared towards keeping sensation and ability
to breastfeed intact. With all the routes surgery can take,
a woman should thoroughly explore her options and discuss
her goals clearly and thoroughly with Dr. M Kayser before she
undergoes any procedure.
Thinking about correcting inverted nipples? Contact this Michigan
Plastic Surgeon today for more information.
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