The development of women’s nipples is a gradual process that occurs over several years during puberty. While the timing varies for each girl, most girls will see their nipples start to grow and develop between the ages of 10 and 14. By around 15 years old, most girls will have fully developed nipples and areolas (the darkened skin around the nipple). However, in some cases, nipple development can continue into the late teens and early 20s before being considered complete.
When do nipples first start to develop?
The first signs of nipple development usually occur between the ages of 10 and 11. At this stage, the nipples will start to grow and stick out more than before. The areolas will also start to widen and darken. This is caused by an increase in the hormones estrogen and progesterone in the body, which signals the start of puberty. Initially, nipple development can be uneven between breasts. It’s common for one nipple to develop slightly faster than the other at first. But they usually even out over time.
Nipple changes during the early teen years
Between the ages of 11 and 13, the nipples and areolas continue to grow and darken. The nipples will become more raised, rounded, and cone-shaped during this time. The areolas will widen further and develop their mature pigmentation. Montgomery glands (small bumps on the areola) may also start to appear. Breast bud tissue will also start growing underneath and around the nipple during these years. This tissue feels firm or rubbery under the skin. These years see the most rapid growth and changes to the nipple-areola complex.
Final nipple maturation in the mid-late teens
By around 15 years old, the nipple and areola are close to reaching their final adult size, shape, and pigmentation. However, they can continue developing further over the next few years. Between 15 and 18 years old, the nipple becomes fully raised, protruded, and everted. The areolas have their definitive diameter and darkened color by this stage too. Montgomery glands are more visible as well. The nipples also become more sensitive due to increased nerve endings. While nipple development is mostly complete by the mid-late teens for most girls, they may still change slightly into the early 20s before being considered fully mature.
Factors that influence nipple development
While the average ages outlined provide a general guide, several factors can affect the timing and progression of nipple development in girls:
- Genetics – Nipple shape and size are largely determined by genetics. So the stages may follow a similar pattern to female relatives.
- Ethnicity – There are some general differences in nipple shape and areola pigmentation between ethnic groups.
- Body weight – Being overweight or underweight can influence timing of puberty and nipple maturation.
- Medical conditions – Precocious (early) puberty or delayed puberty can shift the developmental timeline.
- Medications – Hormonal treatments may alter the natural development stages.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding – This can cause permanent changes like increased pigmentation.
So while there is an average age guide, nipple development is unique for every girl and depends on her individual situation. Close monitoring as puberty progresses is important to check for any abnormalities.
What is a normal nipple size and shape?
There is a wide range of normal nipple sizes and shapes. Some key aspects that are considered normal include:
- Diameter – 10mm to 23mm, though usually between 15mm and 20mm.
- Projection – Project around 2mm to 5mm from the breast surface.
- Shape – Round, oval, or teardrop shaped.
- Orientation – Point straight ahead or slightly sideways.
- Color – Usually a light brown to dark brown or reddish shade.
- Texture – Smooth or slightly wrinkled areola surface.
- Sensitivity – Moderate sensitivity and sensation.
Nipples that fall outside these ranges or look abnormal may need medical assessment. Each nipple can have slight variations in size or shape and still be considered normal.
Signs of abnormal nipple development
Some signs to watch out for that may indicate atypical nipple development include:
- No changes by age 13 with no other puberty signs.
- One nipple developing significantly slower or faster.
- Sudden nipple inversion.
- Severe pain, itching, or bleeding.
- Discharge from the nipple.
- Open sores or thick discharge from Montgomery glands.
- Asymmetry in nipple size, shape, or areola diameter by age 15.
Noticing any of these persistent changes should prompt a doctor’s evaluation to identify any underlying causes. While it may be nothing serious, it’s best to get it checked.
When to see a doctor
Consult a doctor if:
- No nipple development by 13 years old.
- Changes are significantly outside the normal range.
- One breast develops abnormally compared to the other.
- Sudden nipple inversion occurs.
- Discharge, bleeding, pain, or sores are present.
- Other puberty signs haven’t started by age 14.
- Puberty seems excessively early or late.
- Abnormal nipple appearance causes distress.
A pediatrician, family doctor, or adolescent health specialist can assess nipple development during routine well-child visits. They may refer to an endocrinologist or gynecologist if puberty issues are suspected. Most cases of asymmetric nipple development are harmless, but it’s important to rule out serious causes.
Typical nipple development timeline
Here is a quick overview of the approximate nipple development timeline:
| Age | Developmental milestones |
|---|---|
| 10-11 years | Initial nipple growth, areola widening, breast buds form |
| 11-13 years | Nipples become cone-shaped, areolas darken and widen, Montgomery glands appear |
| 13-15 years | Nipples become fully protrusive, areolas reach mature diameter and pigmentation |
| 15-18 years | Nipples complete maturation, slight changes to nipple sensitivity continue |
However, keep in mind that the timeline can vary significantly based on the individual. These ages serve as a rough guide of the overall process. Monitor for any abnormal changes throughout development.
Tips for caring for maturing nipples
Here are some tips for caring for your nipples during this maturational period:
– Wear a light, well-fitting bra to provide support as the nipples grow. This can reduce friction and sensitivity.
– Use nipple pads in your bra if they become painful from rubbing on fabric.
– Apply an unscented moisturizer or vitamin E oil to soothe irritation.
– Avoid using harsh soaps or letting soap residue sit on the nipples in the shower.
– Wear loose, soft tops and avoid clothes that constantly rub against the nipples.
– Gently wash clothes by hand or in a garment bag if machine drying increases sensitivity.
– Don’t play with or pinch sensitive nipples as this can damage breast tissue.
– See a doctor for any persistent nipple pain, open sores, discharge or bleeding.
When are nipples considered fully developed?
Nipples are generally complete in their development by ages 15 to 18. Key markers of being fully developed include:
– Definitive shape – normally protruding and everted.
– Mature areola diameter and pigmentation.
– Montgomery glands visible around the areola.
– Raised texture with wrinkles, bumps and creases.
– Symmetric size and appearance compared to the other nipple.
– Darker color from increased melanin.
– Increased sensitivity and nerve endings present.
While these features indicate completed nipple formation, minor ongoing changes to texture, color and sensation can occur into the early 20s. As long as the major structural components are present by ages 15-18, they can be considered fully matured.
Changes to the nipple after puberty
Once nipple development finishes, the structure generally remains stable through adulthood with proper breast health care. However, some factors can cause changes including:
– Pregnancy and breastfeeding – Areola diameter and pigmentation increase.
– Weight gain/loss – Nipple size fluctuates slightly.
– Aging – Loss of elasticity may cause some sagging.
– Medical conditions – Changes due to illness or medications.
– Physical injury or trauma.
– Surgery – Incisions around the areola.
– Piercings – Risk complications like infections.
– Tattoos – Alters natural pigmentation.
While the nipple is fairly resilient after adolescence, women should be aware of anything that causes asymmetry, discharge, inversion or discomfort as it may indicate a health issue.
Conclusion
Nipple development is a gradual process spanning early breast development stages until full maturity is reached around ages 15 to 18. The timeline varies in every girl. Monitoring for normal growth patterns against key milestones provides reassurance that puberty is progressing normally. While the majority of nipple changes are harmless variants of normal, be alert for any sudden or worrying changes that warrant medical advice. With good self-care and education on the wide range of normal nipple appearances, girls can feel confident with their maturing nipple-areola complex.