Do I have puffy nipple/areola? What procedures are suitable? (photo)

Dear LiaRobero,

it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. 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, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

You do have a bit of "herniation" or protrusion of the breast tissue beneath the nipple.

A circular incision around the areola would be necessary to correct this, and the areola would have to be downsized a bit as well.

Only you can decide if the scar is worth the change.

Based on your photos, I would not recommend surgery to change that naturally beautiful and youthful feature that some women want but can be difficult to create by filler injection. The most I would try is Botox injection, but not sure that would do it. Areola tissue is erectile, subject to changed size and configuration in response to temperature and tactile stimulation. Peri-areolar tightening might flatten the areola but in exchange for a permanent scar of uncertain character and possible disruption of glandular elements. Aging, pregnancies, and nursing will flatten it naturally by skin expansion and subsequent involution.

From the submitted photos it appears you have herniated breast tissue causing the puffy appearance. This can be addressed by making an incision around the areola and excising the excess. See a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more.

Some excess breast tissue could be trimmed out from under your areolae, but you may lose sensation and this may not be worth that excision.