9/26/2019 Big nipples, small nipples, and the 9 other types that are normal

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The 11 different nipple shapes

From big nipples to small nipples, inverted, everted and everything in between, your nipples are
perfectly normal just as they are.

by C A T R I O N A H A R V E Y - J E N N E R SEP 24, 2019

ISSY MUIR

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9/26/2019 Big nipples, small nipples, and the 9 other types that are normal


Nipples. We all have them, regardless of sex. But with breasts having been sexualised
in women long ago, females are more typically ready to scrutinise the appearance of
them.

But whether you class yourself as having big nipples or small ones; bumpy ones or
hairy ones, it's important to remember they're normal. And they're absolutely ne as
they are.

"Because of an increasingly visual culture, meaning the proliferation of social media

images and the fascination with seles (which are often digitally manipulated), we
have distorted the ideals of a 'normal' body image," Harley Street plastic surgeon Dr
Dirk Kremer, who runs Harley St. Aesthetics, tells Cosmopolitan.

As a result of this self-imposed pressure to conform, Dr Dirk says that a large element
of his work is now "educating patients about what is normal". And that's what this is
all about.

Have you ever felt self-conscious about your nipples?

Yes, I can't stand getting my boobs out No, I've got no issue with mine

"Even if your nipples take after a common 'type'," the surgeon reassures, "they
probably have variations that set them apart from the next person's." Everyone is
different, after all.

S MAL L NIPPLES

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9/26/2019 Big nipples, small nipples, and the 9 other types that are normal
ISSY MUIR

"Having extra small nipples is not abnormal in any way," notes the plastic surgeon.
"Nipple size is something that you inherit from your parents, just like your breast and
foot size or the pattern of your freckles.

"There is absolutely no medical reasoning for the size of your nipple and as long as
nipples contain all the structures they need to function correctly, their size or colour
doesn't necessarily matter," the expert continues. "The only time that you should
worry is if there are sudden changes in size – at which point it is best to consult your
doctor or if they are having a signicant impact on your self-esteem."

BIG NIPPL ES

ISSY MUIR

"Areolae [the area of darker coloured skin surrounding the nipple] that are larger are
also perfectly normal, and some women have nipples that cover a third of their
breast," explains Dr Dirk, adding: "It is also normal for a person to have areolae that
change in size and colour over their lifetime."

These changes, he explains, are "often due to shifting hormone levels in the body,
such as those that take place during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and
breastfeeding ahead of lactation."

BUMPY NIPPLES

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9/26/2019 Big nipples, small nipples, and the 9 other types that are normal

ISSY MUIR

"It is normal to have small bumps on the at, brown part of your breast called the
areola. These bumps are called Montgomery glands," explains Dr Dirk. "They secrete
oil that helps to lubricate the areola. They become slightly larger and slightly
red/pink when you are pregnant and breastfeeding."

EVERT ED NIPPLES

ISSY MUIR

"Everted nipples are erect and protrude from the areolae regardless of stimulation,"
explains the doctor.

INVERT ED NIPPLES

ISSY MUIR

"Inverted nipples retract inward instead of standing out like erect nipples. Most
people are born with this type of nipple and this often changes after we hit puberty,"
the expert says.
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9/26/2019 Big nipples, small nipples, and the 9 other types that are normal

It doesn't change for everyone, however. "Inversion does remain in about 10 percent
of women and is perfectly healthy and normal."

FLAT NIPPLES

ISSY MUIR

"Flat nipples remain at the level of the areolae but may become erect with
stimulation," Dr Dirk describes, adding: "Again, this is a completely normal type of
nipple."

HAIRY NIPPLES


ISSY MUIR

Hair on the nipples may be a source of insecurity for some, but it needn't be. "It is
completely normal to nd hair growing around your nipples in the areola, and some
people have more hair than others," says the surgeon. "If you have PCOS (polycystic
ovary syndrome) or another condition associated with elevated testosterone levels,
you may nd that you have increased hair around the nipples," he notes.

PROT RUDING NIPPLE S

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ISSY MUIR

"Protruding nipples stand erect, further than everted nipples, even without
stimulation. The exact amount of protrusion isn’t clearly dened, and it can vary
from person to person so again, all are completely normal," explains the expert. The
surgeon recalls having patients who see him either for a nipple reduction, or for
treatments to make their nipples protrude more.

UNIL AT ERAL INVERTE D NIPPLE S

ISSY MUIR

While unilateral inverted nipples may be less common, they are no less normal.
"Typically, this means that one nipple is inverted and the other is everted," explains
the doctor.

PUFF Y NIPPLES

ISSY MUIR

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9/26/2019 Big nipples, small nipples, and the 9 other types that are normal

"With puffy nipples, both the areola and the nipple rise up in a raised mound,"
describes Dr Dirk.

S UPERNUMERARY N IPPLE S

ISSY MUIR

"A supernumerary nipple is a common, minor birth defect that consists of an extra
nipple (and/or related tissue) in addition to the two nipples that normally appear on
the chest," explains the plastic surgeon. "Most supernumerary nipples do not cause
symptoms or complications. They often are small and go undetected."

Chandler Bing will be relieved to hear his Nubbin is totally and utterly normal...

Illustrations by Issy Muir.

Follow Cat on Instagram.

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9/26/2019 Big nipples, small nipples, and the 9 other types that are normal

CATRIONA HARVEY-JENNER digital features editor

Cat is Cosmopolitan UK's features editor covering women's issues, health and current affairs.

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