Flat nipple is a condition where the nipple is pulled into the breast, and this can happen to both men and women. This condition can be caused by several things: some people are born this way, but some are caused by external factors. If you have normal nipples as a child and teenager, then suddenly experience these conditions after the age of 50 years, you should immediately consult a doctor, because this can be a sign of breast cancer. However, most people who experience this condition, usually the problem is only a matter of aesthetics, or the heaviest problem may only be during breastfeeding. Fortunately, there are several ways to get your nipples back to their normal shape, from manual stimulation to plastic surgery.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Making a Plan
Step 1. Determine the severity of your flat nipples
Take off your clothes and stand in front of the mirror. Grasp the breast at the edge of the areola (the dark area that surrounds the nipple) with your thumb and forefinger, then pull the nipple out about an inch. Do it slowly. From the reaction of the nipple, you can determine how far your nipple goes in.
- Level 1: The nipple pulls out easily when you apply light pressure to the areola. When the pressure is released, the nipple does not go straight back in. Grade 1 in flat nipples won't give you much trouble when it comes to breastfeeding, although they may not look very aesthetically pleasing. There is little or no fibrosis (excess connective tissue) at this stage.
- Grade 2: The nipple doesn't pull out easily even when pressure is applied, and goes right back in when the pressure is released. Grade 2 in flat nipples is most likely a problem when it comes to breastfeeding. Fibrosis also appears to be more pronounced, with mild tugging in the milk ducts.
- Grade 3: Nipples are inverted and unresponsive to any stimulation; in other words, cannot be pulled out. This is the most serious case in flat nipples, which is characterized by a large amount of fibrosis and inward folding of the milk ducts. You may also experience skin problems or infections. In this case, it is impossible to breastfeed.
- Check both your nipples; whether both are flat, because sometimes not all nipples experience this.
Step 2. Find out the cause
If your nipples have been flat since birth, there's most likely no serious problem. However, if you have flat nipples after puberty, especially if you are over the age of 50, this could indicate an illness or infection. Cancer or other serious conditions, such as inflammation or infection, can be the cause.
- If you are over 50 and find your nipples suddenly sink inwards or appear flatter than usual, see your doctor immediately.
- Women over the age of 50 are at increased risk of developing Paget's disease of the breast.
- The presence of pink discharge from the nipple, thickened, cracked, and scaly skin in the nipple and areola area could be a sign of breast cancer.
- Check with your doctor if your nipples have a cloudy, green, or even black discharge. Soft, red, and thickened nipples can be a sign of a benign breast tumor.
- Postmenopausal women have a high risk of developing benign breast tumors.
- If you find a lump that hurts when touched or moved, and you have a fever, you may have an infection called a subareolar breast abscess.
- Most nipple infections occur during breastfeeding, but subareolar breast abscesses can occur in women who are not breastfeeding.
- If your nipple has just been pierced and then it sinks inward, check with your doctor immediately to see if you have a subareolar breast abscess.
Step 3. Decide on the healing method you will take
The treatment method depends on the severity of the flat nipple, its cause, and the fact that you plan to breastfeed. If you have signs of breast cancer, infection, or a benign tumor, see your doctor immediately.
- If your case of flat nipples is still in grade 1, it's possible that manual healing methods can help loosen the fiber tissue, so that the nipple can be removed easily.
- If your flat nipple case is in grades 2 and 3, it is better if you consult a doctor about the right healing method. In some cases, non-invasive methods are sufficient, while plastic surgery is the best option in others.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult a doctor, nurse or other professional for proper treatment.
Method 2 of 4: Manual Training
Step 1. Use the Hoffman technique
Place both thumbs on either side of the base of the nipple. Then, slowly spread your thumbs apart from each other. Do it horizontally and vertically.
- Do it twice a day, then gradually increase to five times a day.
- This technique is believed to be able to break the adhesion at the base of the nipple which makes it sink inward.
Step 2. Use oral stimulation during sex
Twisting, pulling, and sucking on the nipple can help bring out a flat nipple. However, ask your partner to stop doing it if your nipples hurt. Remember, do this stimulation gently.
Step 3. Rotate your nipple between your thumb and forefinger several times a day
Gently pull on the nipple while it is upright to keep it in that position. After that, dampen a towel with cold water and rub it against your nipples to stimulate it further.
Method 3 of 4: Using the Product
Step 1. Use a breast shield
This product is commonly found in mother and child stores. The breast shield is soft in texture and round in shape with a small hole in the middle that is useful for pulling the nipple out.
- Cup your breast into the shield and position the nipple into the small opening.
- Wear a breast shield under your t-shirt, undershirt, or bra. You may have to wear layers of clothing to disguise the shape.
- If you are breastfeeding, wear a breast shield 30 minutes before feeding.
- This protector will apply gentle pressure to the nipple, keeping it upright. This object can be used for men and women who have problems with flat nipples.
- This breast shield can stimulate the mammary glands in breastfeeding women. So, mothers who are breastfeeding should not wear this thing all day long. If you wear a breastplate while breastfeeding, make sure to wash the breastplate afterward with hot water and soap, then wipe off any excess milk that spills onto the surface.
- Keep an eye on the area around the breast when wearing a shield, because this device can trigger allergies.
Step 2. Use a breast pump
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, use a pump to stretch the tissue in the nipple area.
- Place the tip of the pump around your breast and make sure your nipple is centered. Pump tips can be found in a variety of sizes, so whatever type you choose, make sure it fits snugly on the nipple.
- Hold the tip of the pump around your breast to make sure it is pressed against the skin.
- Hold the tip or hold the pump bottle with one hand, then start pumping.
- Pump the breast at a pressure that is comfortable for you.
- After that, turn off the pump, hold the two bottles in front of you with one hand, and stop the pump with the other.
- If you are breastfeeding, immediately give the nipple to the baby while it is sticking up straight.
- Don't pump too often if you're breastfeeding, as this will make the milk flow more and more.
- There are many types of breast pumps available in the market; one of them is a high quality electric pump like those commonly used in hospital obstetric wards to withdraw the nipple without damaging the surrounding tissue.
- Breast pumps vary, depending on the brand and manufacturer. Consult a nurse or other professional about choosing the right pump for you.
Step 3. Use a 10 ml syringe without a needle to pull out your nipple
(depending on your nipple size).
- Use clean, sharp scissors to cut the end of the syringe bottle that says “0 ml”. (The very end.)
- Lift the plunger, remove the end, then push the plunger down again.
- Position the cut end of the syringe just above the nipple and pull the plunger so that the nipple will be pulled along.
- Stop if it hurts.
- Before removing the syringe from the nipple, first press the plunger in so that it is no longer in the retracting position.
- When finished, wash the syringe bottle by section with hot water and soap.
- If you want, there's a medical device called the Evert-it, which is a syringe that has been modified to retract the nipple. It works the same way as mentioned above.
Step 4. Use the Niplette
Niplette is a device that is able to lengthen the milk ducts by pulling the nipple as straight as possible. This tool is small and made of transparent plastic, mounted around the nipple. Use before wearing a bra.
- Apply an adequate amount of moisturizer to the nipple and areola area before applying the Niplette.
- Attach the valve to the syringe bottle, and push it gently.
- Position the Niplette around the nipple with one hand, and pull the syringe bottle with the other, making a sucking motion. Don't pull too hard to avoid pain.
- When the nipple is pulled out, remove the Niplette.
- Hold the valve and remove it from the syringe bottle. Do this carefully so that no more air can enter, which could cause the Niplette to fall.
- Wear Niplette under clothes. If you are wearing a tight top, the Niplette can be disguised by using a special cover.
- Remove the Niplette by pulling the syringe bottle against the valve to stop the pulling process.
- Start using the Niplette one hour per day. Then increase its use from one hour to eight hours each day.
- Do not use the Niplette day and night!
- Within 3 weeks, you will see the results; the nipple will fill the mold in the valve perfectly without having to be pulled again.
Method 4 of 4: Medical Treatment
Step 1. Talk to your doctor or plastic surgeon about surgery
Indeed, non-invasive treatment is usually always an option. But for some people, plastic surgery is the best way. Modern plastic surgery methods for cases like this make it possible to reconstruct the nipple without damaging the milk ducts, so you can still breastfeed afterwards. Your doctor or plastic surgeon will help decide whether or not you should have surgery.
- The operating procedure is simple; just use a local anesthetic and you can go home right after. You can even go about your normal activities the next day.
- Discuss the procedure with the surgeon who will treat you. Find out how the operation was performed and what the results were.
- At that time, the surgeon will take a medical history and examine the cause of your flat nipple case.
Step 2. Follow the procedure before and after surgery well
The surgeon will tell you what to prepare before surgery and what to do after surgery.
Your nipple may have to be bandaged after surgery. Change the bandage regularly, as directed by your doctor
Step 3. After surgery, ask about your condition and consult if there are complaints
The healing process should not hurt. If you notice any bruising, swelling, or pain during the healing period, contact your doctor immediately.
Step 4. Schedule a postoperative visit with your surgeon
This visit is meant to monitor your condition and see if the operation was successful. Ask your doctor if you should check again later.
