I have extra nipples on my areola which makes going shirtless in public very difficult. (photo)

Your condition is not common -- it is a developmental abnormality.  One of the sides has two rudimentary nipples.  Surgery can be done to remove the intervening tissue and parts of each nipple that face each other, thereby resulting in a single nipple.  The other side has three rudimentary nipples.  You would need a consultation to help decide exactly what to do and what result you would accept.  There are pros and cons to any surgery -- best to consult with a plastic surgeon to discuss these options.Good luck!Elliot W. Jacobs, MDNew York City

One of the nipples can be removed surgically. However, neither nipple is in the centre of your areola. This means that afterwards your remaining nipple will not be in the centre of your areola. You may wish to consider if this will bother you. When the nipple is removed it will leave a scar and this will probably be pale although you can never be sure about scarring. You need to be aware of scarring including adverse forms of scarring such as keloid scars.I suggest you discuss your concerns with a suitably trained and experienced plastic surgeon.Best wishes and good luck