Ask Our Expert - Newborn with a Third Nipple

November 08, 2009

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Specialist in pediatric behavior and development.


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Ask Dr. Needlman Newborn with a Third Nipple

QUESTION


Dear Dr. Needlman, My 10-week-old grandson has a partial third nipple. Just looks like a brown spot under right nipple. Is there any chance this will fade away or can it be removed later? — Viclong in NC

ANSWER	December 21, 2001


Dear Viclong, Extra nipples are quite common. Most often they are simply spots of brown (pigmented) skin, located along the so-called "nipple lines" -- imaginary lines running up and down the body, that cross through the nipple on each side. Sometimes they are fully formed nipples located on the chest or abdomen below one of the standard nipples. They are not dangerous in any way, and are not a sign of any more serious problem, but they don't fade either. Most people simply leave them alone. But they can usually be removed with a simple surgical operation. — by Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P.

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