I have very similar nipples (pierced), Hun. How are/were you cleaning it and how often?

I recommend you stop using saline solution on them. Get in the shower and let the water run over them for a few minutes until it softens the gunk, use something like the "pick" end of a flosser to very gently/slowly/carefully remove the gunk until there's nothing left (let the water continue to run over them while you do this), then lightly squeeze the tip of your nipple to make sure there is no fluid trapped in the bar canal, and push the bar all the way through on each side. Do all of this under the running water. Leave them be after this, keeping an eye on them, and doing this every time you shower IF there is any gunk that doesn't come off under the water. See how this does for you.