Inverted Nipple Correction Through Piercing

Medical Benefit

What are inverted nipples?

Inverted nipples are nipples that retract inward instead of protruding outward. They are a widespread phenomenon affecting an estimated 10 to 20 percent of the population, both women and men. The cause lies in shortened milk ducts or connective tissue fibres that pull the nipple inward.

In the vast majority of cases, inverted nipples are harmless and not a medical problem. Nevertheless, they can represent a significant aesthetic and psychological burden for those affected. Many people feel self-conscious about their inverted nipples and avoid situations where others might see them.

The three grades of inverted nipple

Grade 1 (mild)

The nipple can be easily pulled out manually and remains in an upright position for a while. It then retracts again. With stimulation or cold, the nipple may also temporarily protrude. The milk ducts are barely affected.

Prognosis with piercing: Very good. Correction through a piercing is usually permanently successful.

Grade 2 (moderate)

The nipple is more difficult to pull out and retracts immediately. Permanent elevation without aids is not possible. The milk ducts may be slightly retracted. Grade 2 is the most common form of inverted nipple.

Prognosis with piercing: Good. A piercing can keep the nipple in an upright position permanently in most cases.

Grade 3 (severe)

The nipple is severely retracted and can barely or not at all be pulled out manually. The milk ducts are significantly shortened, and there may be a skin deficit in the nipple area. This is the rarest and most pronounced form.

Prognosis with piercing: Possible, but must be assessed individually. In some cases, a piercing can also help with grade 3; in others, surgical correction is advisable.

How does a piercing correct inverted nipples?

The principle is simple and effective: A straight barbell is pierced horizontally through the base of the nipple. The jewellery acts as a kind of splint that holds the nipple in an upright position and prevents it from retracting. The shortened tissue fibres are bridged by the jewellery and can no longer pull the nipple inward.

During the healing period, stable scar tissue forms in the piercing channel, which additionally contributes to fixation. Even if the jewellery is later removed, the nipple often remains permanently elevated, as the formed scar tissue overcomes the retracting fibres.

Advantages over surgical correction

Piercing correction

+ Cost: CHF 120 to 240 (incl. jewellery)
+ No surgical procedure required
+ No general anaesthesia needed
+ Immediately visible result
+ Aesthetic body jewellery included
+ Minimal downtime

Surgical correction

- Cost: CHF 2,000 to 5,000+
- Outpatient surgical procedure
- Local or general anaesthesia
- Result only visible after healing
- Visible scarring possible
+ Better suited for grade 3

Procedure at XS Piercing

The inverted nipple correction through piercing begins with a detailed consultation, in which we assess the grade of your inverted nipples and give you an honest assessment of the chances of success. The piercing is not the optimal solution for every situation, and in rare cases we would also advise against a piercing and instead recommend a surgical consultation.

During the actual procedure, the nipple is first manually elevated and held in position. We offer local anaesthesia as standard, so the procedure is completely pain-free. The barbell is then precisely pierced through the base of the nipple, immediately fixing it in an upright position. The result is visible immediately.

Success rate & long-term result

The success rate of inverted nipple correction through piercing depends strongly on the grade of the inverted nipple:

• Grade 1: Very high success rate. Permanent elevation is achieved in the vast majority of cases.
• Grade 2: Good success rate. Most clients report a permanent or at least significant improvement.
• Grade 3: Individual success rate. We assess each case individually and provide an honest prognosis.

The body forms scar tissue in the piercing channel during healing, which acts as an internal support. As long as the jewellery is worn, the nipple is reliably elevated. Even after removing the jewellery, the correction often persists, as the scar tissue takes over the function of the barbell.

Both: Aesthetics and function

The inverted nipple correction through a piercing is one of the few piercing applications with a direct medical or functional benefit. You receive not only a permanent correction but simultaneously an aesthetic piece of body jewellery. Many of our clients report that the correction has significantly boosted their self-confidence.

Photo Gallery

Example photos of this piercing performed at XS Piercing Basel. The gallery contains explicit content.

View Photo Gallery (adults only, 18+)

Nipple piercing as jewellery

Are you looking for a nipple piercing for purely aesthetic reasons, without inverted nipple correction? Learn more about our regular nipple piercings and the diverse jewellery options.

View nipple piercing