"Why Do Nipples Sink Inwards, and What Are the Recommended Solutions?"

Inverted nipple refers to the nipple depression, and there are multiple factors contributing to this condition. Some individuals may experience nipple depression due to wearing tight underwear during adolescence, which tightly binds the chest, or prematurely adopting a bra that is too small for their size. This can lead to the developing breasts being squeezed and blood circulation being impeded, subsequently affecting the normal development of the mammary glands and facilitating the formation of nipple depression. Surgical techniques offer a viable solution for resolving nipple inversion.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Nipple Depression

Medical professionals can diagnose and treat nipple depression. Under anesthesia, a piston-assisted pumping motion can be employed to repeatedly protrude the nipple one or two times. Following protrusion, the mother's nipple can be gently wiped with a warm towel to facilitate breastfeeding by the newborn. Repeated suckling by the newborn will help alter the state of nipple inversion. For mothers who require further correction, the procedure can be repeated every 3 to 6 hours.

Classification of Nipple Inversion

Nipple inversion can be categorized into three degrees based on its severity: First-degree inversion involves partial nipple inversion where the nipple neck is present and can be easily extruded, with the nipple size resembling that of a normal individual post-extrusion. Second-degree inversion refers to complete nipple inversion within the areola, but the nipple can still be manually extruded, albeit smaller than normal and often without a nipple neck. Third-degree inversion involves complete nipple inversion beneath the areola, with the inverted nipple being unextrudable.

Complications of Nipple Inversion

Nipple inversion can readily lead to inflammation of the nipple and areola, mastitis, and other related disorders. Severe nipple inversion may cause skin mucosal changes accompanied by eczema, bleeding, erosion, and the development of chronic inflammation. Since mammary ducts are connected to the inverted area, the inflammation can retrogradely spread to the mammary glands, triggering mastitis. If nipple inversion is not corrected promptly, long-term inflammation can stimulate chronic contraction of the mammary ducts, exacerbating nipple inversion and potentially leading to a vicious cycle.