Male with long nipples - Normal or a medical issue? (photos)

Question

I am 25 year old male. From last 10 years I have long puffy nipples (see pictures). Firstly I thought that it's because of hormone change. But now as I am 25, I think that it's a permanent. Seriously speaking it feels good when I touch them and play with them and there is no pain at all. But I am confused whether it's normal or not. Physically I am fit, doing regular exercise and healthy with no fat at all on my chest. So, what is the reason of long puffy nipples? Please help. Thanks.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.   Your nipple size  falls within the range of  "normal" and is certainly not a "medical issue". 
For the benefit of men who have aesthetic concerns about nipple size: nipple reduction for men is a good procedure to treat prominent nipples. I do this procedure by removing a segment of nipple and covering the area with a superiorly based flap. The degree of flattening (most men want the result to be  almost flush with the areola)  can be tailored to the patient's requests.
This procedure is usually done under local anesthesia and requires no time off from most types of work. Patient satisfaction was a high and scars are often not noticeable.
I hope this, and the attached link, helps.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  There is a very wide spectrum in diameter and length of male nipples and yours falls well within normal.  If you desire to reduce their length it can be done with a small, in-office procedure.  Be sure to see an ASPS board certified plastic surgeon in consultation.

Sean Doherty, MD, FACS · Answer

Like everything, there is a scale of "normal". Your nipples are simply on the larger end of that scale. If they really bug you, you could schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss nipple reduction surgery, but this will probably also reduce your nipple sensation. Always a trade off...

Elliot W. Jacobs, MD · Answer

Yes, you have rather large nipples for a male -- but it is of no medical concern.  It may have a personal concern for you, such as when you wear a snug T-Shirt,etc.  If it is bothersome to you, then a relatively quick surgical procedure can be performed under local anesthesia to reduce the size of the nipples.  You can view some examples of this on my website photo gallery captioned below.  There are no non-surgical methods to reduce the size of the nipples.Elliot W. Jacobs, MD, FACSNew York City

Christopher S. Zarella, MD · Answer

From the pictures you posted, it appears that your nipples are within the range of normal.  If you have not had any symptoms of something outside the realm of normal (such as enlarging, tenderness, discharge) this would also support that they are simply on the large end of normal.  
Nipple reduction can be easily done in the office under local, if you desired a cosmetic correction of this.  I would recommend visiting a board certified general or plastic surgeon for a consultation if you are bothered by the appearance of your nipples and would like a procedure to improve them.

Male with long nipples - Normal or a medical issue? (photos)

Answers (9)

Answer: Enlarged male nipples

Answer: Enlarged male nipples

Answer: Nipple Reduction

Answer: Nipple Reduction

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Male with long nipples - Normal or a medical issue? (photos)

Answers (9)

Answer: Enlarged male nipples

Answer: Enlarged male nipples

Answer: Nipple Reduction

Answer: Nipple Reduction

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Gynecomastia Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.