Areolar reduction is not so easy

Areolar reduction can be easy...or very hard, depending on how large the areolae are, how small of a reduction the patient needs, what surgeries they have had in the past (these affect blood supply) and what the shape of the breast is.

Performing a "simple areolar reduction" can flatten the breast, form large scars if the operation is aggressively performed. When a reduction in areolar size is contemplated, patients and their surgeons should consider whether this should be performed as a part of a breast lift or not. This in turn depends on the appearance of the breast, the measurements of the nipple height, and the desired result.

So, it's not so easy.

Women contemplating becoming pregnant in the near future should, if at all possible, avoid breast surgery until after their children.

If you are planning to get pregnant relatively soon, it would make sense to wait for changes of your areola to become stable, perhaps a few months after breast-feeding your last child. One problem with areola reduction is recurrence using the periareolar lift method. Unless you need, and have, a formal lift with a vertical scar, any immediate post-operate reduction in areolar diamension usually regresses as skin tension forces cause either gradual widening of the periareolar scar and/or stretching of the areola itself.

If the size of the areola is very unsightly to you and your plans to get pregnant are not immediate, you could certainly get a reduction now with the understanding that in the future you would probably need a repeat procedure or a more formal lift after your last pregnancy.

Areolar reduction is a nice procedure for the right patient with the right type of breasts. Most breast reductions and breast lifts are performed along with an areolar reduction as part of the procedure. Areolar reduction, by itself, is requested on occasion, and does also produce a tightening and lifting effect to ones breasts.

An isolated areolar reduction can be performed under local anesthesia, IV sedation, or general anesthesia. It will take most surgeons between one or two hours. It is not appropriate for some patients and usually is best after childrearing is complete.