Correcting Possible Negatives of Areola Reduction?

Question

I'm considering getting an areola reduction but am comparing the potential downfalls of this surgery with the current state of my natural areolae. Would you mind listing the possible things that could go wrong with a reduction, whether anything can be done to remedy that issue and whether it would be super costly to do so? For instance, I know that there is potential for a scar, but that can be fixed with tattooing?

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

There are risks and benefits to every surgery.  Some risks to consider in this particular surgery are bleeding, infection, nipple asymmetry, and scarring.  Scars typically heal well.  There are scar creams and treatments that can be used while healing to encourage favorable scarring.  Asymmetry can occur when one nipple stretches more than another.  This can be corrected with a revision.  I encourage you to visit with a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more about this procedure so that you can make an informed decision.

Robert F. Centeno, MD, FACS · Answer

Areolar reductions are commonly performed as part of a reduction or lift, but can be done alone.  They are fairly safe and can be done under local anesthesia in the office.  Diabetics and Smokers are at increased risk for complications including infection and loss of skin/nipple. If you are healthy, the risks are unfavorable scar widening, keloiding or loss of nipple sensation. Fortunately these risks are low. Best wishes.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

will vary depending on what technique is used.  In general, if the reduction is accomplished through an excision around the areola, you depend on a cinching suture to diminish the size and if this suture breaks or pulls through the skin, the scar will widen considerably and you would be looking at doing the procedure all over again.  If its part of a breast lift where tissue is excised from the lower pole as well (lollipop mastopexy), risks for stretched scars are minimal.  Regardless of what technique is done, there will always be risks of hypertrophic or keloid scarring and if this occurs, you will require scar excisions/revisions to correct it without any guarantee that scarring will not recur.  Tattooing can camouflage some poor scars but its not my preference to use unless it is the last resort.

Michael Hueneke, MD (retired) · Answer

In many cases the answer is no. It depends on the size of the areola and what size you are reducing it to. It also depends on any deformity of the breast (i.e. tuberous)

Correcting Possible Negatives of Areola Reduction?

Answers (4)

Answer: Reduction of areola

Answer: Reduction of areola

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Everything you need to know about Areola Reduction Surgery

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Correcting Possible Negatives of Areola Reduction?

Answers (4)

Answer: Reduction of areola

Answer: Reduction of areola

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Areola Reduction Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.