How to Fix Nipples Falling

Inverted nipples, or nipples that recede inside the breast, can occur in both men and women. This condition can be present at birth or during development. If you didn’t have inverted nipples as a child or during puberty, you should talk to a health care professional. People over the age of 50 with inverted nipples should be screened for breast cancer. For most sufferers, inverted nipples can be cosmetically invasive, or more serious, make breastfeeding difficult. Fortunately, there are many ways to change this situation from manual to plastic surgery.

Table of Contents

Plan

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/a/a3/Get-Rid-of-Inverted-Nipples-Step-1-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Get- Rid-of-Inverted-Nipples-Step-1-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/a/a3/Get-Rid-of-Inverted- Nipples-Step-1-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Inverted-Nipples-Step-1-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,” bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Determine the extent of nipple inversion. Take off your shirt and stand in front of the mirror. Place your thumb and index finger to hold your nipple right at the edge of the areola (the dark area around the nipple) and gently press about 2.5cm below the nipple. Make sure your hands are firm but still gentle. Depending on the response of your nipples, you can assess their indentation. ^{[1] X Research Source}

Level 1: The nipple protrudes easily when you gently press the areola area. When the hand is released, the nipple still maintains the ability to protrude, not immediately retract. At this level, you can still breastfeed, even if your breasts don’t look aesthetically pleasing. Your breasts have little or no cystic fibrosis (excess connective tissue) in grade 1.
Level 2: The nipple is still protruding when you press it but not very easily, and it is easy to fall back right after. Stage 2 pacifiers make breastfeeding difficult. You may have a small amount of cystic fibrosis and the milk ducts are also inverted.
Grade 3: The nipple is completely inverted and unresponsive to impacts and cannot be pulled out. This is the most severe level because the breasts will have a lot of cystic fibrosis and the milk ducts will be indented a lot. You may have redness or infection at this level and not be able to breastfeed. ^{[2] X Trusted Source PubMed Central Go to Source}
Check both breasts, as sometimes only one nipple is inverted.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/9/9d/Get-Rid-of-Inverted-Nipples-Step-2-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Get- Rid-of-Inverted-Nipples-Step-2-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/9d/Get-Rid-of-Inverted- Nipples-Step-2-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Inverted-Nipples-Step-2-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,” bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Define the reason. If your nipples have receded since childhood or during puberty, this is not a sign of disease. If you’ve had it recently, especially when you’ve passed the age of 50, it could be a sign of illness or infection. In some cases, serious illnesses such as cancer or infections can also cause nipples to recede. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

If you are over 50 and your areola becomes deformed and your nipples don’t protrude or retract, you should see a breast cancer doctor right away.
Women over the age of 50 are at increased risk for Paget’s disease of the nipple.
A pink or scaly discharge from the nipple or areola, thickening or peeling of the skin can also be a sign of breast cancer. ^{[4] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}
See your doctor if the nipple discharge is milky, bluish, or black. Tightness, redness, or thickening around the nipple can be a sign of ductal dilatation.
Postmenopausal women are at a very high risk of breast enlargement.
If you have lumps that ooze pus when pressed or scratched, and have a fever, you may have an infection called breast abscess.
Most nipple infections occur during breastfeeding, but breast abscesses occur in women who are not breastfeeding.
If your nipples are indented after your piercing, have your doctor check you for a breast abscess. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/c/cc/Get-Rid-of-Inverted-Nipples-Step-3-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Get- Rid-of-Inverted-Nipples-Step-3-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/c/cc/Get-Rid-of-Inverted- Nipples-Step-3-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Inverted-Nipples-Step-3-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,” bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Select a method of treatment. Treatment will depend on the nipple receding, the cause of the receding, and whether you plan to breastfeed. If there are any signs of breast cancer, inflammation or dilation of the mammary gland, seek medical attention immediately. ^{[6] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

If your indentation is in grade 1, manual application will make the cystic fibrosis disappear and the nipple protrude more easily.
If you are in stage 2 or 3, consult your doctor about the right course of treatment for you. In some cases, non-invasive methods will be suitable for some cases, but sometimes surgery is the best solution.
If you are pregnant or nursing, consult your doctor or lactation consultant.

Manual treatment

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/a/a5/Get-Rid-of-Inverted-Nipples-Step-4-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Get- Rid-of-Inverted-Nipples-Step-4-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/a/a5/Get-Rid-of-Inverted- Nipples-Step-4-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Inverted-Nipples-Step-4-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,” bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Use the Hoffman technique. Place both thumbs on either side of the nipple. Gently move two thumbs in opposite directions so that one finger is up and one finger down, or one finger to the left and one to the right.

Do it twice daily at the beginning and gradually increase to five reps.
This will dissolve the lumps that cause your nipples to recede. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/d/d7/Get-Rid-of-Inverted-Nipples-Step-5-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Get- Rid-of-Inverted-Nipples-Step-5-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/d/d7/Get-Rid-of-Inverted- Nipples-Step-5-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Inverted-Nipples-Step-5-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,” bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Stimulating the nipple with your hands or mouth during sex. Rounding, pulling, or sucking on the nipple can all help it emerge. Remember not to hurt yourself, be very firm but still gentle. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/4/4d/Get-Rid-of-Inverted-Nipples-Step-6-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Get- Rid-of-Inverted-Nipples-Step-6-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/4/4d/Get-Rid-of-Inverted- Nipples-Step-6-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Inverted-Nipples-Step-6-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,” bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Rub the nipple with your thumb and index finger several times a day. Gently pulling on the nipple while it is erect will help the nipple protrude. Then, wet a towel with cold water and apply it to the nipple to increase stimulation. ^{[9] X Research Source}

Use supporting products

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/d/de/Get-Rid-of-Inverted-Nipples-Step-7-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Get- Rid-of-Inverted-Nipples-Step-7-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/d/de/Get-Rid-of-Inverted- Nipples-Step-7-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Inverted-Nipples-Step-7-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,” bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Nipple protector. Nipple protectors are available at mom-and-pop stores or online. They are soft, round discs with a small hole in the middle to push the nipple out.

Place the protector on your chest and position your nipple in the small hole.
Wear a protective pad under your t-shirt, bra or bra. Wear an extra shirt if you want to cover this piece completely.
If you are going to breastfeed, put on this protector 30 minutes in advance. ^{[10] X Research Source}
The protector will apply gentle pressure on the nipple to keep it protruding. Both men and women can use this product to treat inverted nipples.
Protective pads can also stimulate lactation in lactating women. Mothers should not wear this patch continuously for many days. Please clean with hot water and soap after breastfeeding to wash off any milk on the protector. ^{[11] X Research Source}
Monitor your breasts while using the condom, as it may cause a rash. ^{[12] X Research Source}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/7/7a/Get-Rid-of-Inverted-Nipples-Step-8-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Get- Rid-of-Inverted-Nipples-Step-8-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/7/7a/Get-Rid-of-Inverted- Nipples-Step-8-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Inverted-Nipples-Step-8-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,” bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Use a breast pump. If you are pregnant or nursing, use a breast pump to push the nipple out.

Place the breast pump on the breast, then adjust the nipple to the center of the hole. Breast pumps come in many sizes, so you should choose the size that best suits your breasts.
Place the breast pump on your breast, so it fits snugly against your skin.
Hold the machine with one hand and turn on the pumping mode.
Pump as much milk as you feel most comfortable with.
Turn off the machine by holding both sides of the cup with one hand and use the other hand to turn it off. ^{[13] X Research Source}
If you’re breastfeeding, breastfeed when the nipples are exposed.
Do not pump too hard if you are nursing your baby as this will cause the nipples to bleed.
There are many types of breast pumps on the market. High-end electric breast pumps like those used in maternity hospitals will help you pull out your nipples without damaging the surrounding tissue.
There are many manufacturers that make breast pumps. Please consult your nurse or lactation consultant to choose and use the machine effectively.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/5/56/Get-Rid-of-Inverted-Nipples-Step-9-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Get- Rid-of-Inverted-Nipples-Step-9-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/5/56/Get-Rid-of-Inverted- Nipples-Step-9-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Inverted-Nipples-Step-9-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,” bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Use syringe. Pull the nipple with a clean, needle-free 10ml syringe (the size of the syringe will depend on the size of your nipple).

Use clean, sharp scissors to cut the syringe right off the “0ml” line. (The side opposite the plunger.)
Remove the plunger and reattach at the end you just cut off and push the plunger inside the cylinder.
Apply the uncut tip to the nipple and pull out the plunger so that the nipple is exposed.
Do not pull harder than you can bear.
Before removing, push the plunger slightly inward to make it easier to remove.
Once done, disassemble each part and wash with hot soapy water.
If you want, you can use Evert-It, which is a medical device that is similar in construction and operation to the syringe described above.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/d/df/Get-Rid-of-Inverted-Nipples-Step-10-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Get- Rid-of-Inverted-Nipples-Step-10-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/d/df/Get-Rid-of-Inverted- Nipples-Step-10-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Inverted-Nipples-Step-10-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,” bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Use a Niplette machine. Niplette is a device that lengthens milk ducts by pulling on the nipple for an extended period of time. The device is small, transparent, made of plastic and can be worn on the chest under a shirt.

Apply a small amount of balm to the nipple, areola and machine.
Attach the cylinder to the open end of the valve and push hard.
Apply the pump to the nipple with one hand and pull the cylinder with the other hand to create suction. Don’t pull too hard as you may get hurt!
Once the nipple has protruded, remove the Niplette.
Hold the valve part firmly and carefully remove the cylinder from the valve. Take care when doing so to avoid air entering the tube and causing the cylinder to fall out.
Place the Niplette under the mantle. If you’re wearing a tight top, you can hide the Niplette with a tailored hood.
Remove the Niplette by pushing the cylinder against the valve to break the vacuum
Start wearing Niplette for about an hour a day. Then slowly increase it by one hour per day and keep increasing until you reach eight hours daily.
Niplette should not be worn day or night!
Within three weeks, as a result, the nipple will protrude as usual. ^{[14] X Research Source}

Use a flexible cup. Flexible cups are available online and are designed to treat inverted nipples by pulling it into the cup. Many trials have proven, ^{[15] X Source} This cup can permanently cure nipple engorgement in just a few weeks.

Align the cup to the nipple and squeeze the bottom of the cup, while gently pressing the cup against your nipple. This will apply gentle pressure to pull the nipple in the direction of the cup.
If you want the cup to fit better, apply a small amount of cracking cream – like USP – on the nipple or inside the cup. If this does not improve the situation, you should try a different size cup.
New users usually wear the cup for 15 minutes the first day. If they have no pain or discomfort, gradually increase the time to four hours per day during the first week of use.
Many people can wear a flexible cup under their bra without shifting the cup or feeling uncomfortable. In addition, you can share a breast protector with a flexible cup to prevent the cup from flattening or falling off the nipple due to a bra that is too tight, or a bra that is too tight.

Medical method

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/8/8c/Get-Rid-of-Inverted-Nipples-Step-11-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Get- Rid-of-Inverted-Nipples-Step-11-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/8/8c/Get-Rid-of-Inverted- Nipples-Step-11-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Inverted-Nipples-Step-11-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,” bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Talk to your doctor or plastic surgeon about nipple correction surgery. While patients wish to correct this condition without the need for surgery, for some people, surgery is the best way. New methods can work without affecting the milk ducts and you can still breastfeed after surgery. Your doctor will advise you if you need surgery.

This is a short-term outpatient surgery that involves local anesthesia. You can go home the same day and return to your normal routine the next day.
You should discuss with your surgeon the progress of the surgery as well as the procedures and expected results after surgery.
Your surgeon will review your medical history and evaluate the causes of your condition.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/1/17/Get-Rid-of-Inverted-Nipples-Step-12-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Get- Rid-of-Inverted-Nipples-Step-12-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/1/17/Get-Rid-of-Inverted- Nipples-Step-12-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Inverted-Nipples-Step-12-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,” bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Follow the pre- and post-operative instructions carefully. Your doctor will tell you what to do before and after surgery.

If you must wear a bandage after surgery, change it exactly as directed by your doctor.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/4/43/Get-Rid-of-Inverted-Nipples-Step-13-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Get- Rid-of-Inverted-Nipples-Step-13-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/4/43/Get-Rid-of-Inverted- Nipples-Step-13-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Inverted-Nipples-Step-13-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,” bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

After surgery, you should express any questions or concerns you have with your doctor. If you experience swelling, pain, bruising, and discomfort during your recovery, contact your doctor right away.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/6/63/Get-Rid-of-Inverted-Nipples-Step-14-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Get- Rid-of-Inverted-Nipples-Step-14-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/6/63/Get-Rid-of-Inverted- Nipples-Step-14-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Inverted-Nipples-Step-14-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,” bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Schedule a post-surgery appointment with your doctor. You will know more about the recovery process as well as the effectiveness of the surgery. Ask your surgeon about the timing of your next follow-up visit.

Advice

Some nipple guards come in two sizes of holes: a larger hole to protect sore and sensitive nipples, and a smaller hole for inverted nipples. You will need one with a smaller hole. ^{[16] X Research Source}
Follow-up with your primary care physician, obstetrician/gynecologist or lactation consultant.

Warning

Some breast support products are not recommended for use during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, consult a medical professional or lactation consultant before attempting to adjust your nipples.

Steps