Do I require a full lift or just an areola reduction?

Question

I am in my mid-twenties with E Cup breasts and very large areolas. It is mostly the areola which is causing me distress. I have not been pregnant or breastfed, they've always been big while the nipple itself is small. I want the opinion of professionals; do you think they will look more proportionate and lifted with just the areola reduction, or would I also benefit from a full lift? What do you think would yield the best shape and results?

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD, MS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos.  I would recommend a full breast lift with reduction of your areolas as I only perform this technique exclusively at my practice.  All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

I think you would benefit most from either a breast lift or breast reduction depending on whether or not you want to reduce your breast volume as well. Either way, your areolas will be reduced so that they're proportionate. Schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon in your area to discuss your options. My best,
Dr. Sheila Nazarian
@drsheilanazarian on Instagram

Ellis Choy, FRACS(Plast) · Answer

Hi there,Thank you for your question.I would personally recommend a breast lift with a lollipop scar approach over just a areolar reduction procedure in order to achieve an elegant surgical outcome with best proportion between size & shapes between your breasts and nipple areolar complex.Doing just an areolar reduction with a peri-arealar incision can potentially "squash down" your breast projection due to its intrinsic "purse string" effect. There will also be potentially higher risk of "areolar spreading" as there is less control in minimising the amount of post operative stretch on your resultant scars.While a proper breast lift procedure with or without changing the breast volume would allow a more optimal distribution of your breast tissue with reference to both your nipple positions and dimensions. The areolar reshaping is also an integral part of the breast lift operation in allowing better long term control for maintaining the ideal proportion between your nipples and your breasts.Hope that helps.Best wishesEllis Choy

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

A vertical breast lift appears reasonable given your description and pictures.Kenneth Hughes, MDBeverly Hills, CA

Damien Grinsell MBBS, FRACS (Plast) · Answer

Hi.  I am assuming that you like the size of your breasts as you have not mentioned having a reduction.  E cup breasts are larger than average so my suggestion would be to have a small to moderate breast reduction.  You would be suitable for a minimal scar vertical reduction (Lollipop scar) which would also reduce the size of the areolas as well.  Regards  Damien

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

there are a variety of techniques for these operations.  Lollipop lift (vertical lift), donut
(periareola) lift, Benelli lift, crescent lift, anchor lift  (inverted T ). Most commonly, we prefer the
lollipop or donut lift because of the shape, small scars and easier healing.
Although the “anchor-shape” or inverted “T” incision is still more popular in
the United States, it represents an older technique with extensive scarring and
a less optimal result in many cases. These newer techniques are utilized in the
vast majority of cases, the rare exception being extremely large breasts. The
nipple-areola complex is repositioned higher, the excess skin is removed, and
the breast is reshaped in a pleasing contour and in a more normal position.You will need a lollipop lift at the least in my opinion

Khashayar Mohebali, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for pictures and questions.  I believe you would benefit most from a full vertical lift (which also includes an areola reduction) instead of just the areola.  The lift would give your breast a more youthful look and position.

Paul J. Leahy, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I would suggest that you consider a true breast lift. I like the "vertical mastopexy" approach, personally. This leaves a well-hidden scar around the areola (made smaller and lifted higher), and a vertical incision which also heals very well in most cases. I think the areolar lift alone will likely not get you the ultimate result you're after. Best wishes.

Carlos Burnett, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for the inquiry. Your best option for a natural looking, perky breast is a vertical breast lift. To perform a lesser procedure would be a disservice to you. The procedure does involve visible scars and thus the risk versus benefit of a more shapely breast needs to be discussed with your BCPS.  Good luck

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear, thanks for your post and provided information as well.A
 full mastopexy raises the breasts by removing excess skin and 
tightening the surrounding tissue to reshape and support the new breast 
contour. Sometimes the areola becomes enlarged over time, and a breast lift will reduce this as well.A breast lift can rejuvenate your figure with a breast profile that is more youthful and upliftedA woman’s breasts often change over time, losing their youthful shape and firmness.Is
 up to you to consider the combination of Breast Lift and Breast 
Implants- When the Nipple-Areola is below the crease under your breast 
and the breast gland has deflated a combination Breast Lift and Breast 
Augmentation is often required.Be sure to consult a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who is experienced in Breast Surgery. Good luck :)

Do I require a full lift or just an areola reduction?

Answers (13)

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