The female body is very susceptible to any changes that occur in the body, and the breast is the most sensitive part. Any woman will notice when the breast changes shape, it becomes not the same as always, especially the moment of hollow nipples cannot be missed.
Deviation in the structure causes a lot of complexes in women. She becomes closed, seeks to hide her chest. Of course, this condition negatively affects intimate life. A sunken breast nipple has not only aesthetic dislike, this condition brings a lot of discomfort and can cause serious pathologies. The pain may pass for a while itself, but sometimes it is so strong and unbearable that you have to call an ambulance.
What causes pain
Unfortunately, today one in three women seeks help from a specialist in breast health problems. Breast disease has become very common, and this is primarily due to hormonal disruptions, the wrong way of life. Because the breast reacts to any minor changes in the body.
As a rule, pain in the nipples is accompanied by general malaise and discomfort throughout the chest. The first thing a woman of reproductive age might think about is approaching menstruation (very rare). Therefore, it is very important to monitor your cycle in order to exclude a symptom that is tied to this particular condition.
Why do sunken nipples need an urgent mammological examination, because this phenomenon occurs from the usual intake of hormonal drugs, antidepressants, antibiotics, as well as during pregnancy? Unfortunately, sometimes the clinical picture can be more dangerous, and such changes in the chest are a sign:
- mastopathy;
- breast cysts;
- oncology.
Reasons for the development of pathology
Deformation of the juice is a feature of the structure of the mammary gland. The reason for the deviation may be:
- heredity;
- underdevelopment of the genitals and hypofunction;
- insufficient development of the milky ducts;
- breast diseases
- wrong underwear.
Typically, changes occur on both sides at the same time. If a nipple has fallen on one breast, you need to urgently go to a mammologist - this is one of the first signs of cancer. It is important to understand that negative factors such as alcohol use, smoking, drugs, poor environmental conditions, very much affect health and can affect the condition of the breast.
The female nipple has a rather complex structure. On its surface there are up to 25 milky ducts that go to the mammary gland. In deeper layers pass connective tissue cords located between the small milky ducts. The insufficiently long threads of these starts pull the nipple inward. In some cases, breastfeeding helps to return to normal form due to stretching of the bundles.
Symptoms
The inverted nipples do not rise above the areola; they become flat, as if pressed into the chest. A woman herself may not notice such a flaw until she becomes pregnant, or when the time of breastfeeding comes. During this period, the deformation of the nipple is very noticeable. It can be of the following form:
- medium retraction;
- short and flat;
- long and strong retraction.
Externally, the hollow nipples look different. The photo may not show serious differences, only a doctor will notice this when examining the patient.
Plastic surgeons distinguish 2 types of hollow nipples:
The former return to their position when breastfeeding or sexual arousal. The second does not extend beyond the halo during any manipulation. Often this condition is accompanied by pain in the entire chest.
If the nipple falls, it causes a lot of problems when feeding the baby. It is inconvenient for him to grab the chest, which is why the child cannot eat normally. Numerous attempts to cope with this process lead to the fact that areoles are injured, painful cracks and abrasions appear, into which the infection can penetrate, which will lead to the development of mastitis. With purulent mastitis, the feeding stops abruptly, and mom is undergoing surgery.
Such a defect can cause the following complications:
- accumulation of foreign particles or fat in the cavity;
- maceration of halo;
- milk during pregnancy flows from the breast.
How to deal with pathology?
Many women, noticing such a pathology in themselves and not realizing the seriousness of the problem, try to “solve the problem” themselves: they pull out the nipples with their hands, with different objects, rub them, massage them. When a hollow nipple is diagnosed, it is absolutely impossible to do this. First, the effect will not be accurate, and secondly, the nipples have a close relationship with the entire neuroendocrine system, which provides support for the body during pregnancy. And such irritation stimulates the production of hormones that tone the uterus, which can lead to a miscarriage.
It does not matter during what period of her life (during pregnancy or only in the process of preparing for it, when feeding), a woman noticed that a nipple had fallen. Be sure to visit a mammologist at the first symptoms. After the examination, the doctor will advise how to restore the previous appearance of the breast.
Special pads are made for stretching the connective tissue jumpers. The Brava Hollow Nipple Device is well established. However, conservative treatment does not always help; in some cases, surgery is required.
Surgical correction
Correction of the nipples is carried out using minor surgery under local anesthesia. Such procedures may be contraindicated if a woman plans to give birth and breastfeed in the future. An accurate diagnosis is made after the examination. Such an anomaly is a purely individual problem.
Any intervention in the body has certain consequences, complications and discomfort. But in some cases, this procedure saves a person’s life, normalizes his psychological state and returns to his former existence. During the operation, all attention is paid to maintaining the integrity of the milk ducts. A small incision is made under the microscope at the base of the halo, and the cords pulling the nipple inward are dissected, after which it is pulled forward.
Rehabilitation after surgery
During this period, hematomas, swelling and pain in the chest area will be observed. The full rehabilitation period is 6 weeks. At this time, you need to abandon heavy physical exertion, avoid stressful situations, spend more time outdoors and wear comfortable underwear.
After this time, you must continue to adhere to all recommendations and accept them as a way of life. Sensitivity will gradually return to the woman , the nipples will become elongated.
Diagnostics
Diagnosis is carried out by a highly qualified mammologist or gynecologist, who appoints an examination to understand why the nipple has sunk. To do this, pass:
- general analysis of urine, feces and blood;
- bacterial culture from the nipples;
- scraping;
- ultrasound or mammography is prescribed.
Preventive actions
Every woman should monitor her health and pay attention to any changes in the body. It is necessary to periodically examine the mammary glands. It is worthwhile to beware and take urgent measures if a nipple has fallen on one chest. And even in the absence of pain and other unpleasant symptoms, you urgently need to visit a specialist’s office.