Can an areola reduction be performed without a breast lift?

Question

I want an areola reduction but I don't want the lollipop scar with a lift. Is this an option to just do an areola reduction? I don't mind if my boobs are a little saggy but I hate my big areolas. Thanks!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear ambgdf,
generally speaking, areola reduction can be done as a single procedure, without breast lift. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, it’s possible to undergo an areola reduction without a full breast lift. The technique for areola reduction typically involves making incisions around the outer border of the areola to remove excess tissue, resulting in a smaller areolar size.

Best of luck !

Best of luck !

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry!   Seeing you in person and being able to see the area, we would be able to provide you with an answer to fit your goals.  Schedule a consult, virtual or in person, with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon and we can discuss options to help you reach your goals.

Emmanuel De La Cruz, MD · Answer

Yes, an areola reduction can be performed without a breast lift. These two procedures are often done independently, although they can also be combined depending on the patient's needs and goals.

An areola reduction surgery, also known as areola reduction mammoplasty, focuses solely on resizing and reshaping the areolas (the darker pigmented area surrounding the nipples). This procedure is commonly sought by individuals who feel their areolas are too large or disproportionate to the size of their breasts. During the surgery, the surgeon removes excess tissue from the outer edge of the areola to achieve the desired size and shape.

On the other hand, a breast lift, or mastopexy, is a procedure that lifts and reshapes the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue. It's typically performed to address sagging or drooping breasts, often caused by factors such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, or aging.

While a breast lift can also involve resizing and reshaping the areolas, particularly if they have stretched or become enlarged due to breast sagging, it's not a requirement for an areola reduction. Some patients may choose to undergo both procedures simultaneously if they desire both a smaller areola and a lifted breast appearance. However, others may opt for just an areola reduction if they are satisfied with the position and shape of their breasts and only wish to address the size of the areolas.

Ultimately, the decision to undergo an areola reduction with or without a breast lift depends on each individual's specific concerns, goals, and the recommendations of their plastic surgeon. A consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon can provide personalized advice and help determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on the patient's unique anatomy and desired outcomes.

Jeffrey J. Roth, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is a bit difficult to say without an exam or measurements. It sounds like you want the nipple areola complex (NAC), to be smaller. Yes, this can be done. This may also be considered a doughnut mastopexy. The scars typically look most red at 4 months, and then better at 10 months. With a breast lift, you have the opportunity to make the NAC smaller. Most women want the NAC to be about 4 cm in diameter. Best to talk with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Together you will make a plan.

Jeffrey J. Roth, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Las Vegas Plastic Surgery

Jeffrey J. Roth, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Las Vegas Plastic Surgery

Rodney A. Green, MD · Answer

There are exceptions however. If the areola is very large they may be a need to have a small vertical scar as well to reduce the circumference of the external skin. Some adaptation of the skin can be done but if this is excessive a vertical scar will be needed to avoid bunching of the scar around the areola.

Wayne I. Yamahata, MD · Answer

An areolar reduction is often a part of a breast lift, but it can be done as an independent procedure.  It will not provide much lift on its own and there is a limit on how much it can be reduced. Seek a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can provide a realistic explanation of the expected outcome.

Jonathan Heistein, MD · Answer

Yes, you can have areola reduction without the vertical scar that is typically added when a breast lift is done simultaneously.  Without the lollipop scar, your breasts won't be lifted as much, but it sounds like that is ok with you.  Best of luck!

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

It is very common to reduce the size of your areolas.  They should be about 1/3 the base diameter of your breasts.  The procedure is called a peri-areolar mastopexy.