Third Nipple Removal — A Complete UK Guide

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A third nipple — known medically as a nipple, polythelia, or accessory nipple — is a small extra nipple that along the "milk line" running from the armpit to the groin. It is more common than most people realise, roughly 1 to 2% of the population, and is almost always harmless. For those who would prefer not to have it, third nipple removal is a straightforward minor surgical procedure carried out under local anaesthetic with a small, scar.

This guide explains what a third nipple actually is, the different anatomical types, why it occurs, when removal is appropriate, and exactly what the procedure and involve at . The procedure is performed by consultant plastic surgeons at our CQC-regulated Baker Street clinic in London.

What is a third nipple?

A third nipple is an additional nipple — and sometimes breast tissue — present at birth, along the body’s milk line. The milk line is a developmental structure that runs from each armpit, down the front of the chest and abdomen, and ends near the inner thigh. In human development, the milk line early in foetal life, leaving only the two nipples on the chest. When a small of the milk line fails to regress, a supernumerary nipple develops at that point.

Most third are small and easily mistaken for moles, birthmarks, or skin tags. Some people live their whole lives they have one. Others have a clearly nipple, sometimes with an areola, and occasionally with underlying breast tissue that can swell during hormonal cycles, pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

It is possible — though less common — to have more than one nipple. The literature includes case reports of patients with up to eight, though one or two extra is by far the more typical .

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Polythelia vs polymastia — what’s the difference?

Two medical terms are used to describe extra nipple tissue, and the matters because it affects how the plans removal:

The Kajava — used by surgeons — describes six categories of breast tissue, from a fully formed accessory breast with nipple, areola and gland (Kajava I) through to a polythelia where only the nipple is present (Kajava VI). Your surgeon will identify which category applies to you at consultation, as this the surgical approach.

In practice, Categories V and VI are by far the most commonly seen and the most to remove. The deeper, glandular categories (I to IV) require slightly more to remove the underlying tissue .

Why do third nipples occur?

The explanation is straightforward. Around the fourth week of pregnancy, two parallel ridges of thickened skin — the milk lines, also called the mammary ridges — form on either side of the torso. They run from the armpit down to the groin. In typical human development, almost all of this ridge regresses before birth, leaving behind only the two on the chest.

When a small section of this ridge fails to completely, the leftover tissue can mature into a nipple. This is a developmental variation, not a disease. There is a mild familial — nipples are sometimes seen across members of the same family — but most cases occur sporadically.

Despite the internet myth, having a third nipple is not associated with any particular abilities, traits, or personality features. It is purely a .

Are third nipples dangerous?

Almost always, no. A supernumerary nipple is benign and carries no inherent health risk. The breast tissue, where present, is the same type as in the chest breasts — it can the same (cysts, fibroadenomas, and very rarely breast cancer). The risk of cancer in supernumerary breast tissue is comparable to the risk in normal breast tissue when for tissue volume.

For this reason, breast tissue removed at surgery is sent for routine examination — for any breast tissue removed in the UK. This confirms benign status and rules out any incidental finding.

There is also a small, historical between supernumerary nipples and kidney abnormalities. Modern have largely disputed this — the supposed link is now considered weak at best — but if you have other reasons to be concerned about kidney function, it is worth raising at .

Should you have your third nipple removed?

There is rarely a medical need to remove a third nipple. Most people who have the do so for one or more of the following reasons:

Centre for operates on adults aged 18 or over. Removal of supernumerary nipples is not on minors except in very specific reconstructive contexts, which fall outside our cosmetic remit.

The third nipple removal procedure

Third nipple removal is a minor day-case under local anaesthetic. It typically takes 30 to 45 minutes from start to finish, and you go home the same day after the is complete.

1. Marking and anaesthesia. Your surgeon marks the area to be removed and the lines, taking care to position the resulting scar within skin tension lines so that it heals as discreetly as possible. Local is then injected — you will feel a brief sting as it goes in, after which the area becomes completely numb.

2. Excision. The surgeon removes the supernumerary nipple along with any associated areola, glandular tissue, and a small margin of healthy skin if needed. Where polymastia is present, the breast tissue is removed cleanly; this is a slightly larger than removal of polythelia alone, but is still .

3. . The wound is closed in layers — first the deeper tissue (where applicable), then the skin — using fine positioned to scarring.

4. Histology. Removed tissue is sent to a histopathology laboratory for routine . Results are available within 7 to 14 days. The vast majority benign breast/nipple tissue with no significant findings.

For patients with multiple nipples, all sites can usually be addressed in a single procedure. If extensive glandular tissue is present, your surgeon may recommend TIVA-based day rather than local — this is discussed at .

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Recovery after third nipple removal

from third nipple removal is fast and uncomplicated for most patients. The incision is small, the is superficial in most cases, and is minimal.

The final scar is usually a small, fine line — 1 to 3 cm depending on the size of the nipple . In well-selected cases on the chest or trunk, the scar fades to near within the first year.

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Risks and what to watch for

Third nipple removal is a low-risk procedure, but no is . The recognised risks include:

A period applies between consent and surgery, in line with our for all procedures.

Cost of third nipple removal

Third nipple removal at Centre for is priced from £2,500. The exact cost depends on whether one or more are being removed, whether glandular tissue is present, and whether the is performed under local alone or under TIVA. A detailed quotation is provided after your consultation.

The fee includes the consultation, the itself, all and aftercare, the wound check at 7 to 10 days, the histology examination of removed tissue, and a 6-week review. 0% APR is available through , subject to status.

Why choose Centre for Surgery for third nipple removal?

Third nipple removal at Centre for is performed by GMC-registered plastic at our purpose-built Baker Street clinic in central London. The clinic is regulated by the , with an overall rating of "Good".

What this means for you in practice:

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Book a consultation

If you would like to discuss third nipple removal, the first step is a face-to-face . Your surgeon will the area, identify which Kajava category applies to your case, discuss the surgical approach in detail, and answer any questions about scarring, recovery, and .

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Address: 95–97 Baker Street, London W1U 6RN

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Frequently asked questions

Supernumerary nipples affect approximately 1 to 2% of the — meaning around 1 in 50 to 1 in 100 people have one. They are slightly more common in men than women, although the vary by population .

Anywhere along the embryological milk line, which runs from the armpit, down the front of the chest and abdomen, to the inner thigh. The most common site is on the lower chest or upper abdomen, just below the breast .

Most remain stable in size after puberty. Some — particularly those with glandular tissue (polymastia) — may swell during changes such as the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or breastfeeding, then return to .

breast tissue carries the same cancer risk as normal breast tissue when adjusted for tissue volume — which is to say, very low. Routine histopathological examination of all tissue confirms benign status. Cancers arising in breast tissue are rare but documented, which is one reason can be appropriate where glandular tissue is present and surveillance would be .

The procedure itself is under local anaesthetic — you may feel but no sharp pain. Mild over the first 24 to 48 hours afterwards is controlled with simple over-the-counter painkillers.

A small scar is unavoidable, but it is within natural skin tension lines and fades significantly over 6 to 12 months. Most patients are satisfied with the final scar appearance. Patients with darker skin tones or a personal or family history of keloid scarring should raise this at consultation, as the risk profile is slightly different.

Yes — nipples can usually be in a single procedure. If extensive glandular tissue is present at sites, TIVA-based day may be preferred over local alone. Your will advise at consultation.

Most patients return to work within 2 to 3 days and to full activity within 2 weeks. Final scar appearance over 6 to 12 months.

NHS funding for removal of supernumerary is generally not available, as the condition is benign and the is considered cosmetic. are occasionally made where the supernumerary tissue is causing significant symptoms (recurrent infection, pain, or outside breastfeeding) — your GP can advise on local NHS criteria.

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