What is an accessory breast?

Accessory breast tissue is defined as “residual [breast] tissue that persists from normal embryologic development” [1]. Also known as ectopic breast tissue, accessory breast tissue can be found in up to 6% of the population [2].

What causes accessory breast tissue?

Accessory breast tissue (polymastia) and accessory nipples (supernumerary nipples) are common as a result of persistence of the mammary ridge. Supernumerary nipples are usually rudimentary and occur along the milk line from the axilla to the pubis in males and females.

Is accessory breast tissue normal?

Accessory breast tissue, or polymastia, is a developmental variation whereby abnormal breast tissue is found in addition to the normal breasts, and is often not detected until puberty.

How do I get rid of accessory breasts?

Axillary accessory breasts can be satisfactorily treated with excision, liposuction, or both. In patients with concomitant macromastia, reduction mammaplasty and removal of accessory breasts can be performed at the same time with no additional morbidity.

Can accessory breast tissue be removed?

Your axillary breast tissue can be safely removed with surgery. This can be done with liposuction, if there is little correction required, or exision (removing tissue with incisions) for extensive correction. You’ll enjoy the following benefits of surgery: an elimination of undesirable contours in the underarm area.

Can accessory nipples be removed?

Supernumerary nipples can also lactate in both men and women, especially if they’re more fully developed. A quick, noninvasive outpatient surgery can be performed to remove extra nipples with minimal pain and recovery time. A nipple removal surgery can cost as low as a $40 copay depending on your insurance.

How common is accessory breast?

Accessory breast tissue is an uncommon condition which occurs in 0.4–6% of women. It is mostly located in the axilla where it can cause diagnostic difficulty, especially if it is unilateral and large. Usually it is bilateral and presents as an asymptomatic mass during pregnancy or lactation.

How do you treat accessory breasts?

Is it normal to have 3 nipples?

Third nipples may also be referred to as “supernumerary nipples” or “accessory nipples.” They are exactly what they sound like — an extra nipple. Third nipples are a very minor birth defect, and in some cases they may be genetic. They are actually quite common, occurring in 1% to 5% of the population.

Can axillary breast tissue be removed by exercise?

But spot reduction, or the idea that you can target a certain area of fat on the body with specific exercises, is a myth. The only way you can get rid of armpit fat using diet and exercise is by reducing your overall body fat, and hopefully some of the fat will be taken from your underarm area.

Where can extra nipples grow?

They mainly occur along the milk lines where breast tissue potentially appears, anywhere above the armpits to the groin. Extra nipples appear alone in most cases. When a third nipple appears alone, the condition is called polythelia. The supernumerary nipples are without accessory glandular tissue.

What does having 3 nipples mean?

Supernumerary nipples are usually not a cause for concern. In some cases, an extra nipple may indicate an underlying condition, including tumor growth or cancer. But sometimes you may never even know you have one. Pregnant and breastfeeding women often discover extra nipple tissue as they react to hormones.