Will left over areola skin after breast lift eventually go away? (photo)

Question

Seems there’s still Areola skin left in the spot of my original areola nipple when I got a lift / reduction! Is this normal ? Does it go away?

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

Some patients have either a very large areola or areola that are in such a position that it is not possible to draw the markings for a breast lift/reduction without the markings going through the darker skin of the areola.  You appear to have a very small strip of areola skin on either side of your vertical incision line.  Once your tissues have had a chance to fully heal and relax, a small revision under local anesthesia should solve this concern.  Best wishes.

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

From your photo, I can see a healing vertical incision line and a small area of darker pigment below the new areola position. After a breast lift or reduction, some discoloration around incisions can be from bruising, scarring, irritation, or stretched pigmented areolar skin.

If this is just early scar color or post-inflammatory pigmentation, it may soften and fade over several months as the scar matures. Most scars continue changing for 6-12 months, and sometimes longer. Scar massage, silicone gel or sheets, and sun protection may help, but you should follow your surgeon’s specific instructions.

If the darker area is truly residual areola skin that was left behind, it usually will not completely “go away” on its own. It may become less noticeable as the scar fades, but persistent areolar pigment sometimes needs a small revision, laser treatment, or other scar/pigment treatment once healing is complete.

This is not something that can be judged perfectly from one photo. I would show it to your surgeon at your next follow-up and ask whether they think it is normal scar maturation, retained areolar skin, or pigmentation. If you have increasing redness, drainage, wound opening, worsening pain, or warmth, contact your surgeon sooner.

Joel Patrick Maier, MD · Answer

This is not entirely unusual. If one has very large areolas prior to reduction, it can be very difficult, if not impossible to remove all of the pigmented areola tissue.Strange, but the way the breast is reconstructed after the reduction can lead to this appearance. However, now that things are nicely healed, a revision can be be done rather easily with local anesthesia. I hope this helps, thank you.

Daniel Careaga, MD · Answer

Sometimes, especially if the areola is very wide, some residual pigment can be left on one or both side sides of the vertical incision. At the time of surgery if the surgeon feels that removing it would lead to too much tension on the incision he or she may opt to leave to avoid a complication. Unfortunately retained areolar pigmentation will not go away on its own normal treatments. Once your surgery has completely healed I would recommend waiting about six months. You would likely need a scar revision to remove it.

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry!  This is called Retained Areola and will not go away on its own.  A minor procedure / revision is required.  Schedule a consult with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to help you reach your goals.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Easygoing624974,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Michael S. Kluska, DO · Answer

Unfortunately excess Areolar skin in the vertical portion of a mastopexy will not resolve without re-excision. This is a simple procedure that can be done under aesthetic in about 15 minutes in the office.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon for some of the darker periareolar skin to be transferred to the area you show. Very simply to just cut it out and see it up

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Sometimes, some of the areola is left behind for safety or a better shape. This can later be excised is desired. It does not go away.

Will left over areola skin after breast lift eventually go away? (photo)

Answers (9)

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