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Conditions

Third Nipple

A third nipple

A third nipple didn’t prevent Francisco Scaramanga from becoming the world’s top-paid assassin in the Bond movie ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’…and why should it? After all, it’s not as uncommon as you may think. Around 1 in 18 people in the UK may have a third or ‘supernumerary nipple’ and the only real problem may be the social stigma attached to them. They’re often mistaken for moles, as they are not properly formed like normal nipples and can usually be found on an imaginary ‘milk line’ between the armpit and inner thigh. If you feel uncomfortable about yours, it’s probably best to speak to your GP to determine whether surgery is needed. However, Hollywood star Mark Wahlberg has decided against going under the knife to remove his extra teat, because he’s grown to love it. And to put all the rumours to bed about her third nipple, Lily Allen proudly flashed hers whilst hosting the Friday Night Project!

Watch the Live from the Clinic interactive video on third nipples >

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The EB doctors have been looking at your comments and have answered some of the common questions below. Remember that it is always best to check with a health professional if you have any concerns about your health.

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I love my lil extra friend! It's a great nice breaker, hi I'm hazel and I have three nipples :) love your body!





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Hi, im 27, i used to have a third nipple under my right breast, i have C cups so it was easy to hide as a teenager. However i became embarrassed by it so i had it removed. I was 16 when i had the quick surgical procedure. It was fast and i was able to watch the whole thing. In Texas, you can get it done for about $450. I have a scar under my breast that i get asked about, but nothing i cant make up in a jiffy. It is still tender in the area as the same feeling it would feel to press directly on your main nipple but it was way worth it. Oh and also, my right breast that housed the third nipple is larger than the left. Anuff to notice but not circus freaky. Hope this helps.





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Be proud





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Many people have an embarrassing “extra nipple” on their chest. The location is usually somewhere along the milk line from the armpit to the middle of the chest. This is not a serious health problem, but it can make you reluctant to put on a swimsuit and cause lack of confidence. This is why many people seek a plastic surgeon to get it removed. Polythelia There is actually a medical name for this condition. It is called polythelia. Other names for it include accessory nipple and supernumerary nipple. It affects one in every 18 people. The roots of the problem go back to a person’s in utero development. It may look like a tiny mole or a regular nipple complete with areola. These supernumerary nipples are given a range to classify them that goes from 1 to 8, with 1 being basically a mole or blemish and 8 being a regular nipple. They can also be fully functional. Some have breast tissue underneath, and even swell with pregnancy or breastfeeding. You may even find fluid coming out. The Risks Of Supernumerary Nipples A plastic surgeon can remove your third nipple for you, but you should know that they are usually harmless. There is a slight possibility that they can interfere with breast functions, but that is the only physical risk. However, the social and psychological effects of having polythelia can seriously affect you. It is embarrassing and it can keep you from being intimate with others. The condition can damage people socially and psychologically. After all, everyone wants to look normal. Getting it removed by a plastic surgeon can give you increased confidence and self-esteem. Plastic Surgery for Polythelia When you decide to have your third nipple removed, the procedure is quite simple. The surgeon will give you local anesthesia so that only your chest area will be numb. They will then remove the third nipple and you’ll go home that day. Exactly how long it takes depends on the size, but it usually does not take long. It’s important to seek the help of a cosmetic surgeon to deal with polythelia. Some people turn to a dermatologist, thinking that it is a skin condition. Although some dermatologists have the skill required to remove them, it is much better to choose a medical professional that is skilled in this area. By choosing a plastic surgeon, you can ensure that it will be removed quickly and effectively. You can also buy polythelia remedies at the store. These are similar to wart removers. They burn the affected area and then it comes off. These are not always effective and, if administered improperly, can cause worse problems. If you’re serious about getting rid of it, it is best to put yourself in the hands of a qualified professional. In some cases, your insurance may cover your polythelia treatment. Talk to your provider and see if they will at least partially pay for it. You may have to make the case that it poses a health risk in order to get help from them.





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Be proud....……...... It makes you unique





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Im 14 and I have four nipples, it really affects my confidence and they are very very developed as they look like normal nipples but smaller. They have hairs a holes in the middle just like my normal nipples. Please help.





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Hi I'm 13 and I have 4 nipples also. It does damage my confidence a little. But it does keep me unique, just try and be proud of your body.

Never mind guys... If we started a band we would be known as the third nipplets





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God guys I'm 14 I have four nipples and there all quite well developed. When I show people them there amazed and think its brilliant. What I'm trying to say guys is that you need to think of it as your unique don't try and hide them or get rid of them you are who you are and don't let someone change that.





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Hi.... I have a third nipple and It is really affecting my confidence. I was wondering if anyone reading this has any idea of how much it would cost to have it removed?





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Hey guys! I'm a 14 year old girl and I too have a third nipple. It is about an inch under my right boob. What makes it worse, under my left boob, there is a mole, also about an inch below it. They form a precise rectangle. The third nipple and the mole can both be seen when I wear a bikini. When I was very young it just looked like a birth mark but now I am older it is really noticeable. I am not that embarrassed about it though, because I know that many people out there have this problem. This may sound cheesy, but I say we should be proud of it because at the end of the day who cares what other people think of it, that's what makes us unique!





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It looks like no one else has asked this question, so please fill in the rest of your details below.





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Important Notice

The information provided on this website (including any NHS Choices medical information) is for use as information or for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical care by a qualified doctor or other qualified healthcare professional. We do not warrant that any information included within this site will meet your health or medical requirements. This Embarrassing Bodies site does not provide any medical or diagnostic services so you should always check with a health professional if you have any concerns about your health.


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