Can Breastfeeding Cause the Areola to Change Shape?

Many of the hormones released during pregnancy cause the areola to darken and enlarge. Some people believe this is an evolutionary adaptation that allows the baby to identify and latch on to the nipple. I don't have the article handy but I recall being told that the average areola prior to pregnancy measures approximately 35mm in diameter whereas it measures 42mm afterwards.

Contrary to popular belief, breast feeding does not significantly alter your breast or areolar size/shape. It's pregnancy itself that can alter breast size and shape, this includes the areolas. Once you're done having children, it's appropriate to consider an areolar reduction or mastopexy to restore your breast shape to your pre-pregnancy condition. Some patients also need breast implants to achieve the look they desire as pregnancy and breast feeding can cause loss of volume/size of their breasts.