Breast lift and areola size - is 4cm too big? (photos)

Question

I’ve booked in for a Bilateral Mastopexy in March. Im a 36DD, 5’4, 25 years old, 11st. I’ve discussed with my surgeon as my areola area is quite large, she’s advised she uses templates between 4cm & 5.5cm, the most common being 4cm. I still feel 4cm is slightly too big, she’s advised I can have them as small / large as I like, but her recommendation of 4cm is due to a more “natural” look and in keeping with the breast. Are you able to advise of the areola sizes on the pictures attached?

Donald R. Revis Jr, MD · Answer

Good morning,
I assume all of these are goal photos and not your photos- it would be helpful to see how large your areolas are now, because they can only be reduced so much during surgery. I would say you do need them more in the 30cm range based on these photos- and remember they will only get larger after surgery, not smaller.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear cbbbbb22,
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 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

Derek Fletcher, MD · Answer

40 mm is a very common diameter to use for mastopexy and breast reduction procedures because studies investigating features of aesthetic breast shape have reported this as a common diameter. Some surgeons use 35-38 mm in anticipation of the areola stretching in the months after surgery or if the patient specifically requests a smaller diameter. Regarding the photos, it is very difficult to tell the diameter of the areola accurately without a reference marker.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

The 4 cm size is a very common size that fits many breasts and looks good. However, she could take it down to 3 cm, but not smaller.  The areolae should be proportional to your breast size.

Jeffrey C. Hamm, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
The perception of ideal areolar diameter varies from individual to individual. In our practice we use "cookie cutter" patterns ranging from 28-40 mm, depending upon the patient's wishes. Our most popular size is 36 mm. Your photos appear to depict areolae on the smaller side, perhaps 32-34 mm or so. 
I am attaching an article from PubMed "Rule of thirds: Determining the ideal areolar proportions".
Best wishes...

Breast lift and areola size - is 4cm too big? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Size

Answer: Size

Answer: Ideal areolar size?

Answer: Ideal areolar size?

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Breast lift and areola size - is 4cm too big? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Size

Answer: Size

Answer: Ideal areolar size?

Answer: Ideal areolar size?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift

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