A third nipple — known medically as a supernumerary nipple, polythelia, or accessory nipple — is a small extra nipple that develops along the embryological “milk line” running from the armpit to the groin. It is more common than most people realise, affecting 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, well-concealed 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 recovery involve at Centre for Surgery. The procedure is performed by GMC-registered consultant plastic surgeons at our CQC-regulated Baker Street clinic in central London.
What is a third nipple?
A third nipple is an additional nipple — and sometimes additional breast tissue — present at birth, located somewhere 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 typical human development, the milk line regresses early in foetal life, leaving only the two nipples on the chest. When a small portion of the milk line fails to regress, a supernumerary nipple develops at that point.
Most third nipples are small and easily mistaken for moles, birthmarks, or skin tags. Some people live their whole lives without realising they have one. Others have a clearly recognisable nipple, sometimes with an areola, and occasionally with underlying glandular breast tissue that can swell during hormonal cycles, pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
It is possible — though less common — to have more than one supernumerary nipple. The medical literature includes case reports of patients with up to eight, though one or two extra nipples is by far the more typical finding.
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Polythelia vs polymastia — what’s the difference?
Two medical terms are used to describe extra nipple tissue, and the distinction matters because it affects how the surgeon plans removal:
- Polythelia — an extra nipple only, with no underlying glandular breast tissue. This is the most common presentation and the simplest to remove.
- Polymastia — an extra nipple plus underlying breast tissue. The breast tissue may be small and barely palpable, or in rare cases it may form a distinct accessory breast (most often seen in the armpit area). Polymastia can swell during hormonal changes and occasionally lactate during breastfeeding.
The Kajava classification — used by surgeons worldwide — describes six anatomical categories of supernumerary breast tissue, ranging 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 determines the surgical approach.
The six Kajava categories
- Category I — Complete accessory breast: nipple, areola, and underlying glandular tissue all present
- Category II — Nipple and glandular tissue, no areola
- Category III — Areola and glandular tissue, no nipple
- Category IV — Glandular tissue only, no nipple or areola
- Category V (pseudomamma) — Nipple and areola with fatty tissue but no glandular tissue
- Category VI (polythelia) — Nipple only, with no underlying breast tissue or areola
In practice, Categories V and VI are by far the most commonly seen and the most straightforward to remove. The deeper, glandular categories (I to IV) require slightly more involved surgery to remove the underlying tissue cleanly.
Why do third nipples occur?
The embryological 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 developing 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 nipples on the chest.
When a small section of this ridge fails to regress completely, the leftover tissue can mature into a supernumerary nipple. This is a developmental variation, not a disease. There is a mild familial tendency — supernumerary nipples are sometimes seen across multiple members of the same family — but most cases occur sporadically.
Despite the persistent internet myth, having a third nipple is not associated with any particular abilities, traits, or personality features. It is purely a developmental finding.
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 — meaning it can theoretically develop the same conditions (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 adjusted for tissue volume.
For this reason, supernumerary breast tissue removed at surgery is sent for routine histopathological examination — standard practice for any breast tissue removed in the UK. This confirms benign status and rules out any incidental finding.
There is also a small, much-discussed historical association between supernumerary nipples and underlying kidney abnormalities. Modern epidemiological studies 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 consultation.
Should you have your third nipple removed?
There is rarely a medical need to remove a third nipple. Most people who have the procedure do so for one or more of the following reasons:
- Aesthetic preference — by far the most common reason. The nipple is visible in certain clothing, swimwear, or intimate settings, and the patient would prefer a smoother contour.
- Discomfort or irritation — supernumerary nipples in certain locations (under bra straps, under waistbands, on the inner thigh) can chafe and become uncomfortable.
- Cyclical changes — where underlying glandular tissue is present, the area can swell and become tender during hormonal cycles. Some patients find this distressing enough to want it removed.
- Lactation during pregnancy or breastfeeding — accessory glandular tissue can produce milk, which can leak through the overlying skin even where there is no formed nipple. This is uncommon but can be a strong motivator for removal.
- Avoiding misidentification — patients who have had their third nipple mistaken for a mole or skin tag by other clinicians sometimes prefer removal for clarity.
Centre for Surgery operates on adults aged 18 or over. Removal of supernumerary nipples is not performed 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 procedure performed under local anaesthetic. It typically takes 30 to 45 minutes from start to finish, and you go home the same day shortly after the procedure is complete.
1. Marking and anaesthesia. Your surgeon marks the area to be removed and the planned incision lines, taking care to position the resulting scar within natural skin tension lines so that it heals as discreetly as possible. Local anaesthetic 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 underlying breast tissue is removed cleanly; this is a slightly larger procedure than removal of polythelia alone, but is still straightforward.
3. Closure. The wound is closed in layers — first the deeper tissue (where applicable), then the skin — using fine dissolvable sutures positioned to minimise visible scarring.
4. Histology. Removed tissue is sent to a histopathology laboratory for routine examination. Results are typically available within 7 to 14 days. The vast majority confirm benign supernumerary breast/nipple tissue with no significant findings.
For patients with multiple supernumerary nipples, all sites can usually be addressed in a single procedure. If extensive accessory glandular tissue is present, your surgeon may recommend TIVA-based day surgery rather than local anaesthetic — this is discussed at consultation.
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Recovery after third nipple removal
Recovery from third nipple removal is fast and uncomplicated for most patients. The incision is small, the procedure is superficial in most cases, and downtime is minimal.
- Day 0: You go home the same day. Local anaesthetic wears off after 2 to 4 hours; mild discomfort afterwards is controlled with paracetamol or ibuprofen.
- Days 1 to 7: Keep the dressing dry. Mild bruising, redness, and swelling are normal. Avoid lifting, stretching, or activities that pull on the wound site.
- Day 7 to 10: First wound check. Dressings are removed and the wound is reviewed. Most patients can return to desk-based work after 2 to 3 days; physical jobs or exercise should wait until the 2-week mark.
- Weeks 2 to 6: The wound continues to heal. Sutures dissolve naturally over this period — no need to return for removal. Begin gentle scar massage and silicone gel application from week 6.
- 3 to 12 months: Final scar appearance develops. Initial pinkness fades; the scar progressively flattens and pales. Sun protection on the healing scar for the first three months helps achieve the best long-term appearance.
The final scar is usually a small, fine line — typically 1 to 3 cm depending on the size of the supernumerary nipple removed. In well-selected cases on the chest or trunk, the scar fades to near invisibility within the first year.
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Risks and what to watch for
Third nipple removal is a low-risk procedure, but no surgery is risk-free. The recognised risks include:
- Bleeding or haematoma — uncommon and almost always managed conservatively
- Infection — rare with proper aftercare; signs include increasing redness, warmth, or discharge after day 3
- Hypertrophic or keloid scarring — more likely in patients with a personal or family history of keloid scarring or with darker skin tones; raise this at consultation
- Numbness or altered sensation — small area of permanent skin numbness around the scar is common and usually unproblematic
- Recurrence — extremely rare, only seen if accessory glandular tissue is incompletely removed
- Asymmetry — where bilateral supernumerary nipples are removed, minor asymmetry between the two scars is possible
A mandatory two-week cooling-off period applies between consent and surgery, in line with our standard practice for all cosmetic procedures.
Cost of third nipple removal
Third nipple removal at Centre for Surgery is priced from £2,500. The exact cost depends on whether one or more supernumerary nipples are being removed, whether glandular tissue is present, and whether the procedure is performed under local anaesthetic alone or under TIVA. A detailed quotation is provided after your face-to-face consultation.
The fee includes the consultation, the procedure itself, all dressings and aftercare, the wound check at 7 to 10 days, the histology examination of removed tissue, and a 6-week post-operative review. 0% APR finance is available through Chrysalis Finance, subject to status.
Why choose Centre for Surgery for third nipple removal?
Third nipple removal at Centre for Surgery is performed by GMC-registered consultant plastic surgeons at our purpose-built Baker Street clinic in central London. The clinic is regulated by the Care Quality Commission, with an overall rating of “Good”.
What this means for you in practice:
- Consultant-only surgery. Your procedure is carried out by a fully qualified consultant plastic surgeon, not a trainee or an associate practitioner.
- Histopathology included. All removed tissue is sent for routine laboratory examination, with results communicated to you in writing.
- Two-week cooling-off period. Standard for every cosmetic procedure we perform.
- 24/7 clinical support. A dedicated post-operative line is available throughout your recovery.
- Discreet, central London location. 95–97 Baker Street — a short walk from Baker Street tube (Bakerloo, Jubilee, Metropolitan, Circle, Hammersmith & City lines).
RELATED: Cosmetic breast surgery and your nipples | Breast anatomy basics — what to know before your surgery
Book a consultation
If you would like to discuss third nipple removal, the first step is a face-to-face consultation. Your surgeon will examine the area, identify which Kajava category applies to your case, discuss the surgical approach in detail, and answer any questions about scarring, recovery, and outcomes.
Phone: 0207 993 4849
Email: contact@centreforsurgery.com
Address: 95–97 Baker Street, London W1U 6RN
Online: Book a consultation
Frequently asked questions
How common are third nipples?
Supernumerary nipples affect approximately 1 to 2% of the population — meaning around 1 in 50 to 1 in 100 people have one. They are slightly more common in men than women, although the figures vary by population studied.
Where are third nipples usually located?
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 natural breast position.
Will my third nipple grow over time?
Most supernumerary nipples remain stable in size after puberty. Some — particularly those with underlying glandular tissue (polymastia) — may swell during hormonal changes such as the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or breastfeeding, then return to baseline.
Can a third nipple be cancerous?
Supernumerary breast tissue carries the same theoretical cancer risk as normal breast tissue when adjusted for tissue volume — which is to say, very low. Routine histopathological examination of all removed tissue confirms benign status. Cancers arising in supernumerary breast tissue are rare but documented, which is one reason removal can be appropriate where glandular tissue is present and surveillance would be difficult.
Is the procedure painful?
The procedure itself is painless under local anaesthetic — you may feel pressure but no sharp pain. Mild discomfort over the first 24 to 48 hours afterwards is controlled with simple over-the-counter painkillers.
Will I have a visible scar?
A small scar is unavoidable, but it is typically positioned 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.
Can I have multiple third nipples removed at once?
Yes — multiple supernumerary nipples can usually be removed in a single procedure. If extensive glandular tissue is present at multiple sites, TIVA-based day surgery may be preferred over local anaesthetic alone. Your surgeon will advise at consultation.
How long does it take to recover?
Most patients return to desk-based work within 2 to 3 days and to full physical activity within 2 weeks. Final scar appearance develops over 6 to 12 months.
Is third nipple removal available on the NHS?
NHS funding for cosmetic removal of supernumerary nipples is generally not available, as the condition is benign and the procedure is considered cosmetic. Exceptions are occasionally made where the supernumerary tissue is causing significant physical symptoms (recurrent infection, persistent pain, or lactation outside breastfeeding) — your GP can advise on local NHS criteria.
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