Prominent veins around areola. Would these get in the way if I want a breast augmentation?

Question

I have an extremely prominent vein that encircled the entirety of my left areola. It’s a very large vein, and it’s just about the only vein on my body which is extremely noticeable. I want a breast augmentation, I don’t want to increase my size, I just want to have them shaped to be more round and perky. But I’ve always been curious if this vein would get in the way? It’s difficult to photograph, but to the human eye, you can see it’s prominence.

Frederick W. Ehret, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I agree that is often difficult to capture anatomic detail in photographs, that is why a in-person consultation with your board certified plastic surgeon is always the definitive answer. However, to try and answer your question prominent veins around the areola should not adversely affect breast augmentation. It's possible that the vein may appear more prominent after the breast augmentation. 
You mention that you do not want to be larger with a breast augmentation, just more round and perky. By definition, a breast augmentation will make you somewhat larger. The amount of course depends on the implant that you choose. A smaller implant may accomplish your stated goals without making you too much larger.
While breast implants can often make your breasts more perky, sometimes to achieve that desired result may require a breast lift surgery (i.e. Mastopexy). A Mastopexy can make you more perky without being larger. A breast lift does require some incisions around the areola and your concern of a prominent vein there might affect breast lift surgery more than breast augmentation. A breast lift would most likely still be able to be performed with good results despite prominent veins around the areola.

Casey Anderson, MD, FACS · Answer

Many surgeons these days use an incision on the underside of the breast, so it is unlikely the vein will be a problem. You should know that veins that are visible before surgery tend to be even more prominent after surgery. As always, be sure to research who performs your surgery to ensure the best likelihood of a positive result.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. I understand your concern but this vein should not interfere and/or affect your breast augmentation.

Leonard Lu, MD · Answer

The vein should not have any effect on a breast augmentation. Visible veins are very common in various areas of the body, including the breast. In some instances if you want a prominent vein removed, you could consider a Phlebectomy, but it is normal to have veins in that area.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear savannah0091,
your prominint veins should have no negative effect on BA. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to 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

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question. Your vein should not be in the way during an augmentation.  Hope this helps.

Johnson C. Lee, MD · Answer

Your breast augmentation will not be affected by prominent veins. Hope this helps!

Johnson C. Lee, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Breasts are naturally full of veins, and this vein should not be a problem for an augmentation. When you go for consultation, do discuss your concerns with your surgeon.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The prominent veins you mentioned should not impede your surgeon from executing a breast augmentation.  Many times patients elect to have the implants placed through a small incision in the fold of the breast, which would avoid the area of concern entirely.

Prominent veins around areola. Would these get in the way if I want a breast augmentation?

Answers (9)

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