Areola Reduction to improve look of implants? (Photos)

Question

28 yo mom of two breast fed/50lb weight loss- I had 560cc gummy implants placed three months ago. I feel like they only made a minor impovement to the appreance of my breasts. I do not want to undergo a lift due to potential scarring on my fair skin. I feel like an areola reduction would allow me to actually enjoy the shape of my implants and make my nipples appear slightly higher. Thoughts?

Jeffrey J. Roth, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. It is a bit difficult to say without an exam or measurements. That being said, it sounds like you may like the nipple areola complex (NAC), to be higher. The amount of lifting typically will determine the incision lines, (scars). Examples of the types of incision lines are; Doughnut, Lollipop, Anchor. Each of the lifting techniques typically will involve an incision line around the NAC. 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 it 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

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear MomofTwo1994,
I understand your concern. Generally speaking, areola reduction won't lift your nipples. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Fernando Ovalle Jr., MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question! I see that your breasts have more fullness after volume augmentation with implants but that the implants did not change the appearance/position of the nipple/areola complex. You have grade 2/3 ptosis on your breasts, meaning the position of the nipple is below the fold/crease of the breast and near the bottom of the breast. To fully correct the position of the nipple and areola, you would need a full breast lift with an incision around the areola, down to the bottom of the breast and usually across the bottom. If you perform a periareolar or donut mastopexy with an incision only around the areola as you have suggested, you will only get a very mild (1-2cm) amount of lift and this won't drastically change your overall aesthetic. The best recommendation would be to visit with a board certified plastic surgeon for an in person exam and consultation to get a full range of recommendations.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Areolar reduction via a circumareolar reduction will not only NOT do what you want, it will give you the worst looking scars, pleating, flattening of your breast mound, and no appreciable reduction in areolar diameter. A full mastopexy will not only improve breast mound shape and nipple position, but it will reliably reduce areolar diameter without the above mentioned problems with a fine scar. The scars from the mastopexy are likely going to heal imperceptivity when done by a breast surgery expert. You don't have to take my word for it. Just go looking around here or other sites to see how many women who got a circumareolar reduction are clamoring for revision after revision because the initial surgery didn't work. Do the right thing and get a beautiful breast.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You are fine as you are, but you could do a peri-areolar lift with a reduction of the areolae at the same time if you wish. the lower breast may not be completely lifted with just this incision. Please discuss this with your surgeon.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Scars are never desired, but if you want to have a nice result a lift is needed.  From your photos you are not a candidate for a periareolar lift.  With the pressure from the implants it is likely the areola will stretch again.  A lift could also address the volume asymmetry you have as well.  I encourage you to visit with an experienced board certified plastic surgeon to learn more.

Ralph M. Rosato, MD · Answer

In my experience an areolar lift of the NAC will not work.  The skin of the breast is very stretchable and even with permanent sutures the areola will stretch after the surgery.

Areola Reduction to improve look of implants? (Photos)

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