Accessory Nipple Removal in Vancouver

An accessory nipple is an extra nipple that develops in addition to the usual two nipples. Patients often call this a third nipple, extra nipple or supernumerary nipple. The medical term polythelia is also used for additional nipples without a full accessory breast.

Accessory nipples are usually a benign congenital variation. Some are obvious and look like a small nipple or areola, while others are subtle enough to be mistaken for a mole, birthmark or skin tag. They most often occur somewhere along the embryonic “milk line,” which extends from the armpit toward the groin.

For patients who would prefer to remove an accessory nipple for cosmetic reasons or because it is repeatedly irritated, Dr. Adelyn Ho performs accessory nipple removal under local anaesthetic in her Vancouver office. The goal is to remove the unwanted nipple tissue while planning the resulting scar carefully.

Accessory nipples form during embryonic development. They are present from birth, although a very small accessory nipple may not be recognized until later. Their appearance varies. Some look like a small pigmented spot or raised bump, while others have more obvious nipple or areolar features.

Most accessory nipples occur along the milk line, also called the mammary ridge. This runs on each side of the body from the axilla, or armpit, toward the groin. Accessory nipples can occasionally occur outside this typical distribution.

Yes. “Third nipple,” “accessory nipple” and “supernumerary nipple” are commonly used to describe an additional nipple. Polythelia is another medical term used for extra nipples, particularly when there is no significant underlying accessory breast tissue.

Common locations include the chest, below the normal breast, the upper abdomen and the armpit region. The location alone does not confirm the diagnosis, because other benign skin lesions can occur in the same areas.

Accessory nipples can resemble moles, skin tags or birthmarks, and appearance alone is not always enough to tell them apart. Some have a central nipple-like projection or surrounding pigmentation, while others are much less distinctive.

If you are uncertain what a spot or bump represents, an assessment is more useful than relying on a single visual feature. Any lesion that is new, changing, bleeding, persistently painful, ulcerated or producing unusual discharge should be medically assessed rather than treated simply as a cosmetic accessory nipple.

Not always. An isolated accessory nipple may be small and superficial, without a significant amount of breast tissue underneath it. Accessory breast tissue, sometimes called polymastia, is a different finding and can create a larger area of fullness or glandular tissue.

This distinction matters most in the armpit, where patients may notice a small nipple-like lesion, a broader area of tissue, or both. A small isolated accessory nipple may be appropriate for a straightforward office procedure, while a larger area of accessory breast tissue may require a different assessment and treatment plan.

Most accessory nipples do not require treatment. Removal is usually a personal decision. Patients may consider surgery because the accessory nipple is noticeable, creates self-consciousness, rubs against clothing, becomes irritated or is simply a feature they would prefer not to have.

Consultation is also an opportunity to confirm that the area is clinically appropriate for cosmetic removal and to discuss the scar that will replace it.

Accessory nipple removal is performed under local anaesthetic in Dr. Ho’s office. Once the area is numb, the accessory nipple is surgically removed. The incision is then closed and covered with a dressing.

The exact length and direction of the incision depend on the size, shape and location of the accessory nipple and the surrounding skin. If there appears to be a larger amount of associated breast tissue, the surgical plan may be different from a simple isolated nipple excision.

You can go home after the procedure. Dr. Ho will give you specific wound-care and activity instructions based on the treatment area.

Recovery is usually straightforward after removal of a small isolated accessory nipple. Some tenderness, swelling or bruising can occur around the incision during early healing.

Many patients can return to non-strenuous work the next day. Dr. Ho generally recommends avoiding exercise for approximately two weeks so that the healing incision is not repeatedly stretched or irritated. A dressing is placed over the incision and is removed according to the postoperative plan, often within one to two weeks.

Your individual instructions should take priority over any general timeline, particularly if the accessory nipple is larger, located in an area exposed to friction or associated with additional tissue.

What Will the Scar Look Like?

Accessory nipple removal leaves a permanent scar. Early in healing, the scar may be pink, red, darker than the surrounding skin or slightly firm. It then changes gradually as the scar matures.

The goal is not a “scarless” removal. The trade-off is replacing the accessory nipple with a planned surgical scar that should become less noticeable over time. Scar appearance depends on the size and location of the accessory nipple, skin tension and individual healing.

Accessory nipple removal is a minor surgical procedure, but it still involves an incision and a permanent scar. Possible risks include bleeding, infection, delayed healing, wound separation, altered sensation, pigmentation changes and a scar that becomes wider, raised or more noticeable than expected.

If the area has a new lump, persistent pain, rash, unusual discharge or another concerning change, assessment may be appropriate before proceeding with cosmetic removal.

Accessory nipple removal starts at CAD $700. The exact fee depends on the treatment plan and is confirmed after Dr. Ho has assessed the area.

If there is more than one accessory nipple, diagnostic uncertainty or a larger area of associated tissue, the assessment and treatment plan may differ from a straightforward isolated accessory nipple removal.

Dr. Adelyn Ho, MD, MPH, FRCSC is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon practising in Vancouver. Her approach to minor surgical procedures includes careful assessment of the lesion, planning of the incision and closure, realistic discussion of the resulting scar and clear postoperative guidance.

For an accessory nipple, consultation is an opportunity to confirm what the area is, determine whether a straightforward office removal is appropriate and understand the expected scar before deciding whether to proceed.

If you have an accessory, third or supernumerary nipple that you would like assessed, Dr. Ho can review the area, discuss whether office removal is appropriate and explain the expected scar, recovery and cost.

Prefer to contact us directly?
604-806-3650 | info@dradelynho.com

Medically reviewed by Dr. Adelyn Ho, MD, MPH, FRCSC | Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon | Last reviewed: August 2026