What should you know about normal breast dimpling?

Dimpling means the skin appears pulled inward or puckered. It may be more visible in one position, with changes in breast shape, after injury or with scar tissue. Hormonal changes can also alter breast fullness and texture. A clinician may examine the breast and armpit and decide whether imaging is needed.

A breast dimple is a common presentation of breast cancer, but most breast changes are not cancer. New skin pulling, a firm lump, nipple inversion, bloody discharge or a change that does not settle still deserves assessment. Paget Disease of the Breast can affect the nipple and surrounding skin, especially when there is persistent scaling, crusting or irritation.

Look at the area in a mirror with your arms relaxed and raised, and note whether the change is present on both sides. Record when you first noticed it and whether it varies with your menstrual cycle. Arrange a clinical appointment for a new or persistent change. Do not repeatedly press the area, since this can make it sore and harder to assess.

Arrange prompt review for a new dimple, skin puckering, a lump, nipple inversion or discharge, redness, warmth, swelling, or an ulcer that does not heal. Seek same-day advice if the breast is rapidly becoming red, hot and swollen or you have fever. A clinician can decide whether the change needs imaging or another test.

Ask: Is the dimpling in the skin, nipple or deeper tissue? Does it need imaging? Could a recent injury, procedure or hormonal change explain it? Which changes should make me return sooner? When should I expect follow-up?