Almost all women I’ve met post-breast surgery, especially breast reduction, have had a common complaint. It relates to their nipples. It’s time to set forth some facts:

Nipples can be variously shaped: Protruding or flat, or even inverted, which means dipped inwards into the breast. Then there are the bifurcated nipples that are basically split into two. They too lactate normally during breastfeeding.

Both breasts of a woman (or man) needn’t have the same type of nipple -- one can be protruding and the other flat.

Just as breasts change after breastfeeding, so do nipples. Inverted nipples often pop out after breastfeeding; and no, inverted nipples don’t hamper breastfeeding.

Cold temperature or stimulation may temporarily cause nipples to protrude: this is where reusable nipple covers, in silicon or paper, come in handy. These nipple covers can also be used when going braless.

The tiny bumps around the nipples are hair follicles. Humans have little or no hair growing on the breast and that’s perfectly normal. The breast hair can be waxed or plucked or shaved with care, given the fact that breast hair is harder and wiry and somewhat akin to pubic hair.

Humans are often born with a third nipple – or in some cases even more than three – called the supernumerary nipple. The extra nipple is generally not as well developed. It may be found on the breast itself or on the chest region and sometimes even on the thighs. These supernumerary nipples can be surgically removed. However, it’s ok to just let them be.

The enlargement of the male breast is not uncommon and is called gynaecomastia. Male breasts sometimes start developing at puberty but may also do so after maturity. Japan has the distinction of having developed the first brand of bras for men. Sometimes gynaecomastia is accompanied by supernumerary nipples in men, too.

The condition of being born without nipples is called athelia. Nipple construction surgeries help in such cases, in which nipple tattoos form a significant part.

In respect to their aesthetic appeal, a study was conducted in the US to determine which position of the nipples appealed most to men and women. Titled ‘The Aesthetically Ideal Position of the Nipple – Areola Complex on the Breast’, the study sprang no surprises. It concluded that men “tend to have a more youthful breast in mind,” while women may have “more of a realistic one”.

Nipples are strong. The Guinness World Records mention a winner having lifted almost 72 pounds with his nipples.

The fallout of breast reduction surgeries can be asymmetrical, uneven or oddly-shaped nipples. One has personally commiserated with a teary-eyed lady who post-surgery discovered square-shaped nipples positioned up and down on both breasts.

And last of all, to know your ideal lipstick shade, look no further than your nipples.

The columnist is the founder-CEO of Necessity-SwatiGautam, a customised brand of brassieres. Contact: necessityswatigautam@gmail.com