How Can My Pointy Nipples Be Fixed?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am a 21 year old male and I have a protruding nipple problem. My nipples have been pointy for about 2 years now and I get made fun of every day for it. I saw some pictures of your surgeries, and I was wondering I you could help me out by giving me some more information about how to help this embarrassing problem?

A:  The ‘protruding nipple’ in a male could be one of two problems. One type of male nipple problem is due to the development of breast tissue that lies right underneath them. This is the smallest gynecomastia (male breast enlargement) problem which I call areolar gynecomastia as the excessive breast tissue does not extend much beyond the areolar margin.  This can be treated by a direct excision of the areolar gynecomastia through a lower areolar incision to flatten the areolar mound from sticking out. This is a simple outpatient surgery done under anesthesia

The other male nipple problem is that the nipple itself sticks out but the surrounding areola is flat. This usually produces the ‘point’ that is seen sticking through a man’s shirt. This is not a true gynecomastic problem since the undelying breast tissue is nor overgrown. Excessive nipple projection can be reduced through a simple wedge excision and closure done in the office under local anesthesia.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana