Ginna - I worked with a mother a few years ago who had recurrent mastitis in
one area of the breast.  Her doctor referred her to two surgeons (she wanted
a second opinion) who both suggested clearing the duct with a "nipple
probe", apparently using an instrument similar to the kind that would be
used to clear a tear duct.  I was horrified.  Anyway, she had the surgery,
and reported that the nipple had been "shaved" at the same time.  She had
one more bout of mastitis after the surgery and then nothing further.  I was
so worried about this that I wrote to an LC in S. Africa for her opinion.
It was that this procedure "used" to be done, but was considered overly
invasive nowadays.  Mom went on to breastfeed until her little girl was
almost 2, weaned because she was pregnant and at last contact (when she left
the country) was happily nursing a 4 month old (no mastitis this time!).
Best wishes to your long-suffering mom!

Pamela, Zimbabwe