A Supernumerary nipple, ie a ‘third nipple’, can occur in both men and women. It is not known how many have this condition as it often gets misdiagnosed as a mole.

Supernumerary nipples can fall into several different categories depending on their size, shape, and makeup. 

Category 1 (Polymastia): The extra nipple has an areola around it (the soft, circular tissue around a nipple) and typical breast tissue underneath, which means that a full breast has developed.

Category 2: The extra nipple has breast tissue underneath but no areola is present.

Category 3: The extra nipple area has breast tissue underneath but no nipple is present.

Category 4: The extra nipple has breast tissue underneath but no nipple or areola is present.

Category 5 (Pseudomamma): The extra nipple has an areola around it but only has fat tissue underneath rather than breast tissue.

Category 6 (Polythelia): The extra nipple appears by itself with no areola or breast tissue underneath.

Why do third nipples occur?

Third nipples develop while a human embryo is developing in the womb.

During the fourth week of pregnancy, the embryo’s two milk lines, which are made of ridged ectoderm tissue (a type of tissue that eventually becomes part of your skin), thicken.

Normally, the milk line tissue stays thick and forms your nipples while the rest of the thickened skin softens up again. But in some cases, parts of the milk line ridges don’t become regular ectoderm tissue again. When this happens, supernumerary nipples can appear where the milk tissue stays thick and ridged after birth and development into adulthood.

Supernumerary nipples can also lactate in both men and women, especially if they are more fully developed.

Also some third nipples can appear anywhere on the body- even on hands and feet. These are known as ectopic supernumerary nipples. 

Third nipples can also be a sign of a congenital breast defect or even an early stage of malignant tumour. Scaramanga’s gene can also induce the third nipple to develop breast cancer like  a regular breast. Category six (polythelia) can also be related to kidney conditions like end-stage renal disease or cancer in the kidney cells.

When to go see a doctor?

If your extra nipple starts to lactate or radiate pain then it’s wise to see your doctor to check if there is any need for treatments. The extra nipple can also form new lumps, hard tissue or a rash over the area. Also see a doctor if there is any abnormal discharge/leaks from your extra nipple.

As often recommended, seeing your doctor regularly to monitor the condition of your third nipple is advised as it’s good to catch any abnormalities early on. 

What Does the Third Nipple Procedure Involve?

This procedure is safely done under local anaesthetic and is fairly straightforward. A small incision is made to remove the nipple along with any excess breast or fat tissue. The incision site is usually small to minimise scarring and you can return home the same day once the effects of the anaesthesia has worn off.

Swelling around the surgery area will remain for at least a couple of weeks and initial redness and bruising will last for a few days. Most surgical sutures are dissolvable and they will be naturally absorbed in the first few days so there is no need to return to the clinic unless there are complications.

Our plastic surgeon Dr Brian Simons has performed almost 30-40 procedures over the years and ensures his patients are well taken care of during the entire process.

If you would like to learn more about third nipple removal, get in touch with us on 

info@ministryofaesthetics.co.uk or book a consultation here.