Breast augmentation with lift - does the areola get darker?

Question

Does the areola get darker after breasts augmentation with lift?

Bora Ok, MD · Answer

Hello from Istanbul! While the areola doesn’t get darker after a breast augmentation with lift, the borders of the areola, especially in patients with darker skin tones, may appear somewhat darker during the healing period. However, this usually improves over time, eventually blending to a shade close to the original skin color. Hope this helps.

Luca Piombino, MD · Answer

After undergoing a breast augmentation with lift, a patient may experience darkening of the areola. Overall, they will remain the same color but they can become darker or lighter depending on any complications that may occur related to the areola. For example, patients that are frequent smokers have a higher risk of experiencing areola complications.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Anon485745,
a breast lift shouldn't cause a change in areola color. My preferred lift is a lollipop lift when a periareolar won't do (ie greater than 2cm lift required). The lollipop technique was created by a Canadian plastic surgeon named Elizabeth Hall-Findley and treats the breast as a three dimensional structure instead of two dimensions (anchor - lift). Most importantly it does not require the horizontal component scars that the anchor-lift requires and breasts appear much more natural, lifted, and less boxy. Lastly, the lift lasts longer because the lollipop doesn't rely on the skin to hold the breast up, its actually breast tissue thats being brought together to support the breast and hence improves longevity. 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

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Hello, in short no the areola should not get darker. Its usually stretch out so if anything it should be slightly lighter. The pigment can fluctuate and become darker during hormone surges such as pregnancy. Some women depending on their Fitzpatrick skin score can have hyper-pigmention or a darkening of surgical scars, again this would not apply to the areola pigment.

James Knoetgen, III, MD · Answer

During a breast augmentation with a lift procedure, changes to the areola’s color can occur, but it’s not a guaranteed outcome for everyone. The extent of change can vary from person to person. In some cases, the areola may become slightly darker or more pigmented due to the stretching and reshaping of the breast tissue. However, this is not the primary goal of the surgery, and the surgeon’s focus is typically on improving breast shape, size, and position.

If you have concerns about changes in your areola’s appearance after this procedure, it’s essential to discuss them with your surgeon during your consultation. They can provide you with more specific information based on your individual circumstances and desired outcomes.

We would be happy to discuss this with you in more detail. Please visit us online to request a consultation or chat with our friendly appointment coordinators via live chat.

Nilay Shah, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Patients that undergo breast lift and reduction surgery, their aerola’s are often stretched and during surgery the aerola is reduced in size which leaves the darker pigmented part closer to the nipple. As a result, you may experience a darker appearance of aerola post-surgery. Would suggest that you discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon for more recommendations.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

No, the areolae may enlarge as the breast is enlarged, but darkening of the areolae is due to hormones, especially during pregnancy and breast feeding.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

While it is possible for the areola to become darker after a lift, it is not expected.  The areola is resized during the lift however, so often times it is smaller after the procedure to better match the breasts.  I encourage you to discuss your concerns with your surgeon.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Dear Anon,
Augmentation mastopexy (breast implants with a lift) should not affect the color of the areolas.  There will be a sharp line between the edge of the areola border and the breast skin, but the color remains the same (barring any unforeseen complications).
Best wishes.
Dr. Taranow

Kenneth R. Francis, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Anon,
Although breast augmentation and breast lift surgery is not commonly thought of as causing darkening the areola, it is certainly possible.  Inflammatory processes, i.e. surgery, will upregulate pigment cells and their production of pigment.  There are many other reasons for areolar darkening, including hormonal changes and aging.

Breast augmentation with lift - does the areola get darker?

Answers (14)

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