Aesthetically Ideal Areola Size, How to Calculate

Question

Hi I have noted that aesthetically ideal areola size is cited as being between 35mm and 48mm,or in terms of ratio(nipple:areola:breast) as 1:3:9. which would be a large 5.66mm I am confused as to how to measure that size, given the drastic change in areola size due to cold or stimulation etc. I am curious to know how to make the calculation as I am considering planning towards an improvement following reconstructive surgery. I am 5'10" and a 34D thankyou!

Ritu Chopra, MD · Answer

Yes, you are right there are many different sizes of areolas depending on the person. I ask my patient to bring in examples of what size they find aesthetically pleasing. Then based upon their anatomy i discuss what options are available. There are many different ways to make an areola including using your own tissues or tattooing . The best thing to do is make sure you are consulting with a board certified plastic surgeon.Hope this helps

Justin Gusching, DO · Answer

You are correct in saying a "normal" aesthetically pleasing areola is 35mm-48mm. However, this isn't always true for everyone. You are correct in discsussing a ratio, however, there is no specific algorithm that will give you the "perfect" areola size. Its up to your surgeon to decide what size fits your body frame as well breast size. This is a discussion to have with your surgeon prior to any surgery.

Francis X. Fleming, MD · Answer

This can depend on the patient's preference. There is an an average size which will vary with the size of the breast, and the patient can have input into the final diameter.

Rodger Shortt, FRCSC · Answer

There is no ideal size!  Plastic surgery is an art and science.  This falls under art.  This is a personal choice.  If you want a very large or very small areola then that is what you want.  Your surgeon can share their experience and their preference.  At the end of the day it is your choice.  Find photos of what you like.  Share that with your plastic surgeon.  That is far more valuable than any calculation.  Ideally your plastic surgeon's goal is to make your vision come true, not their own.

Aldona J. Spiegel, MD · Answer

As you accurately mentioned the ideal areola size range, the ideal being around 4.2 cm. This size however should be proportional to the rest of the breast, mainly the volume and the location of the areola, as well as the nipple reconstruction. This is also a matter of personal taste, as some patients prefer smaller areola, and others want to restore the same size as they had prior to mastectomy. This is definitely something that you need to discuss with your plastic surgeon in detail to make sure you are pleased with the final result

Tracy E. McCall, MD · Answer

Most are usually somewhere around 42mm. In the case of a reconstruction, you try to match the opposite side. If you had both breasts done, then you have a little more leeway. Talk to your surgeon. Truthfully, you aren't going to notice a few millimeters one way or the other. Why not cut out some circles of different sizes and tape them on to get an idea of what you'll look like?

Robert Whitfield, MD · Answer

There are multiple tools to match diameters in the operating room.  When measured in the office the horizontal and vertical distances are documented.  In the operating room circular markers are used to recreate the areola. Please find an experienced Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
and member of the Aesthetic Society using the Smart Beauty Guide.  These Plastic Surgeons can guide you on all
aspects of facial surgery, breast augmentation and body procedures including
tummy tucks or mommy makeovers!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

The areola size is not the same for everyone. Usually larger breasts have larger areola.  These can be modified( reduced) in women whose areola are too large.

Neal Goldberg, MD · Answer

There are no rules with aesthetic opinions. Areolas can be made any size that you want. They can be made to be more pointy or more flat. The important thing is tht you are shown photos of different sizes so that you can choose what you think looks best. We do look to acheive good symmetry, but sometimes making each areola something slightly different than a perfect circle may look more natural. Again, this is something to discuss with your surgeon.

Tal T. Roudner, MD, FACS · Answer

This is a personal matter. There is a wide verity of shapes,sizes and colors to the nipple areolar complex.

	Different books different doctors different patients different views.

	I usually use a 38 mm diameter for a patient that desires a smaller areola and 42 mm for the one that likes them a little larger!

	Good Luck!

Aesthetically Ideal Areola Size, How to Calculate

Answers (13)

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