Third-nipple-removal
Third Nipple Removal — A Complete UK Guide
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A third nipple — known as a supernumerary nipple, polythelia, or nipple — is a small extra nipple that along the embryological "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 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 . The procedure is performed by GMC-registered 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 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 .
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Polythelia vs polymastia — what’s the difference?
Two medical terms are used to extra nipple tissue, and the distinction matters because it affects how the surgeon plans removal:
The Kajava classification — used by 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 the surgical approach.
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) 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 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 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 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 do so for one or more of the following reasons:
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 under local anaesthetic. It typically takes 30 to 45 minutes from start to finish, and you go home the same day shortly after the is complete.
1. Marking and anaesthesia. Your 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 nipples, all sites can be addressed in a single procedure. If extensive accessory glandular tissue is present, your 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 in most cases, and downtime is .
The final scar is a small, fine line — typically 1 to 3 cm depending on the size of the supernumerary nipple removed. In 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:
A mandatory two-week cooling-off period applies between consent and surgery, in line with our standard practice for all 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 the consultation, the procedure itself, all dressings and aftercare, the wound check at 7 to 10 days, the histology of removed tissue, and a 6-week post-operative review. 0% APR finance is available through , 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 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 consultation. Your 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.
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Frequently asked questions
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
NHS funding for cosmetic removal of 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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Centre for Surgery is a CQC-regulated private hospital on London’s Baker Street, delivering plastic and cosmetic surgery through GMC-registered specialist surgeons. Our expertise spans facial procedures including and , , for men, and body contouring procedures such as and . Patient safety, surgical and natural-looking results sit at the heart of everything we do.
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