Inverted Nipples

Peek-a-boo (Credit: mre770)

Nipples are an integral part of the breast, playing a role in appearance, in sexuality, and in motherhood. And for the women who have inverted nipples, inversion may affect their self-esteem and body image. While several different surgical techniques have existed for inverted nipples, now there is a treatment that has been successful with long-term results.

Most cases of inverted nipples are congenital - some people are just born that way. However, some nipples become inverted after breastfeeding when scar tissue builds in the milk ducts. Nipples that become inverted after birth are usually caused by one of three things: not enough skin at the base of the nipple, constricted milk ducts, or scarring of the milk ducts due to breastfeeding.

Types of Inverted Nipples
There are three "grades" of inversion - which basically means three levels of severity.

Grade 1: Nipples are inverted but can become everted manually (through stimulation) or in response to cold temperature. They can remain everted for some time. Milk ducts are usually not compromised and breast feeding is possible. These are "shy nipples". 

Grade 2: Nipples are inverted and are more difficult to evert. The eversion almost never lasts - the nipple returns to the inverted state immediately. Breast feeding could be possible, but this is not a sure thing.

Grade 3: Nipples are severely inverted and never evert. Milk ducts are often constricted and breast feeding is impossible. Women with Grade 3 inverted nipples may also struggle with infections, rashes, or problems with nipple hygiene.