When aroused or exposed to thermal stimuli, the nipple normally becomes erect. In rare cases, however, the nipple is genetically inverted. Doctors refer to this as an inverted nipple.
Here you will find further information as well as a selection of specialists in inverted nipples.
The severity of inverted nipples can vary. True inverted nipples retract even further when pressure is applied to the areola. Nipples that are only slightly inverted or largely flat are not considered true inverted nipples, which are very rare.
Breastfeeding is usually possible even with slightly inverted or flat nipples.
Inverted nipples before and after correction © Otto Placik / Wikimedia License: CC BY-SA 3.0
An underlying cause of inverted nipples is always a genetically determined malformation.
In this case, the milk ducts that carry milk from the mammary gland to the nipple are shorter than necessary.
Some women suffer from inverted nipples to varying degrees. This can have a negative psychological impact. Those affected feel that they deviate from conventional beauty standards.
According to these standards, erect nipples protrude clearly from the areola.
Depending on the severity of the inverted nipples, surgery is not necessary in all cases. Before deciding on surgery, you should first try conservative methods for correcting inverted nipples.
In some cases, the affected nipples can be permanently corrected using various massage techniques and devices that create negative pressure on the nipples.
However, it is necessary to wear these devices regularly over a certain period of time. This contributes to the long-term success of the treatment.
Surgery can usually be performed under local anesthesia. General anesthesia is not necessary for this procedure.
There are two effective surgical methods for correcting inverted nipples. Both procedures take about an hour. However, the surgery may take longer in cases of particularly severe inversion or unexpected complications.
The patient can leave the clinic a few hours after the procedure, provided that no complications have arisen.
Surgical correction of inverted nipples can be performed either by preserving the milk ducts or by severing them.
With this method, the milk ducts are preserved during the procedure. This allows the woman to breastfeed infants later on.
The surgeon makes a small incision at the base of the nipple on the areola. He then elevates the nipple and areolar tissue of the mammary gland and pulls it outward. However, the tissue remains connected to the mammary gland.
Before applying a dressing, the tissue is secured with several sutures.
This surgical method involves cutting the milk ducts. It is suitable for particularly severe cases of inverted nipples.
As with the first option, a small incision is made at the base of the nipple. The surgeon then cuts the shortened milk ducts.
The result of this procedure is usually a very natural-looking nipple. The skin is closed before the bandage is applied.
In most cases, surgical correction of inverted nipples is considered a cosmetic procedure. Therefore, statutory health insurance plans do not cover the costs.
The patient should expect costs ranging from 900 to 2,000 euros. These costs depend on whether the procedure can be performed under local anesthesia or if general anesthesia is necessary.
The total cost also depends on whether only one breast or both breasts need to be treated.
However, if there are medical reasons for the correction, the health insurance provider may contribute to the costs. A medical reason would be, for example, if the patient is unable to breastfeed her baby due to severely inverted nipples. In that case, however, the correction must ensure that the milk ducts remain functional.
Whether or not health insurance covers the costs is always determined on a case-by-case basis. For this reason, the patient must submit various documents, such as medical certificates and test results, before the procedure. The Medical Service of the Health Insurance Funds (MDK) then reviews these documents.
