What Does Distorted Nipples After Stopping Of Breastfeeding Suggest?

Posted on Sat, 18 Apr 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 18 Apr 2015 Answered on

Sat, 9 May 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I recently had a baby in XXXXXXX 2014 at forty years old. I quit breast feeding in December of 2014. After I quit breast feeding my right nipple seemed distorted when compared to the left. It looks slightly flatter, moreover, they are both still producing milk (not much) from time to time--almost four months later. The nipple is not inverted. I did the "pinch test" and it snaps into shape but later will flatten out again after I have been wearing a bra. There is nothing sticky or odorous about the milk so I am fairly confident that it is not discharge. My Ob did a breast examine in November and I do weekly checks. No lumps or dimpling or dry skin etc. I am wondering if this (the flatter nipple and milk production)is something that should be concerning or can it be fairly common? I do have a copper IUD and I read that milk production can be a side effect.

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (38 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No need to worry.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

I have gone through the details and it does not seem to be a cause of concern. I would not worry about it and would consider it to be an usual finding. The limited lactation that you see, might be more related to your previous pregnancy than to the use of IUD. It is unlikely to be a side effect of the IUD.

Hope that helps.

Regards
Dr. Kunal Saha

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (1 hour later)

Do nipples lose elasticity with age and breastfeeding? The shape of it doesn't bounce back quickly and it's like the area around the nipple has a stretch mark of sorts. Awkward conversation. I'm sorry.

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It will revert partially, but not totally

Detailed Answer:
I understand your concerns. It is not awkward to ask. The elasticity would be gradually regained, may be not completely, but to a reasonable extent. The stretch marks will reduce but will not go. The breast volume has already increased. It might slighly reduce but a significant bulk will remain.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (4 hours later)

So even though the do not point out like they once did and are somewhat flatter, it does sound like a cancerous situation? I am going to make an appointment with my primary to check, but I am trying to buy piece of mind to check through the week end . . .

Thank you for your help.
*does not

To clarify, my husband said it looks like the areole skin beneath the nipple is starting to sag/wrinkle.

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It is nothing unusual.

Detailed Answer:
You need not panic. It is unlikely to be related to any cancerous condition. The sagginess and wrinkled nature is very common after lactation. Please do not worry, it will gradually improve, though not to the fullest extent.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D