To What Extent Can my Areolas be Reduced?

Question

I have very large areolas. My right areola is slightly larger, although my breasts are approximately the same size. I'm 23, 5'2'', weigh 120 lbs, never been pregnant and don't intend to in the next several years. I am interested in getting just an areola reduction (no other procedures) and I would like them to be reduced as much as is possible without any serious risks of side effects. How intricate would such a procedure be and what is the maximum size reduction I can expect?

Jason Hess, MD · Answer

Posting pictures here is the best way to glean some useful info.  So thanks for posting them.  Areolar reduction is common to breast surgery and is part of a procedure known as a circumareolar lift.  A doughnut of skin is excised from around the areola and the skin surround it is re approximated with sutures.  I would guess that your current areolas measure at least 8  cm in diameter when relaxed.  The common reduction is down to 3.8 or 4.2 cm because this is the circumference of an instrument known as a "cookie cutter".  This is a stainless steal ring that marks the skin to be excised.  I would recommend a diameter of about 3.8 cm.  You could go smaller, but the smaller you desire, the more skin bunching around the nipple you could expect.  The outer diameter of skin is larger than the inner when a doughnut of skin is excised.  I hope this makes sense. 

	You don't need any implants or additional procedures. Without these additional procedures, your procedure could be done under local rather than general.  Good luck.  Hope this helps.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

From the submitted photos the recommended procedure would be a breast lift.  The excess areola tissue would be removed and the nipple position lifted.  The areola result would be about 4cm in diameter.  I encourage you to begin by visiting with a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more about the procedure and your options including risks and benefits.

Richard A. Mouchantat, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question. Your areolas can be reduced in size to a more ideal size. This may also improve the overall shape of your breast. There would be surgical scars which are usually very acceptable. Consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to get a full consult and good luck.

David Stoker, MD · Answer

You are a great candidate for an areola reduction using a breast lift technique that results in a lollipop-shaped scar.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Yes, you may be a good candidate for areola reduction. Fortunately, this is a procedure that can often be done under local or general anesthesia.

	You are wise to consider the scar that will result, around the  areola. The appearance of the scar may range from a fine line to a wide/thick/raise scar (that may require scar revision surgery).

	You should also consider  other unfavorable sequelae resulting from this procedure. This may include asymmetric areola, loss or change of sensation, wound healing problems (possibly suture related), recurrence of the &ldquo;spreading of the areola&rdquo;, hypo or hyperpigmentation around the incision line, and potential changing/flattening of the breasts' profiles.

	The &ldquo;maximum&rdquo; reduction possible will need to be determined on physical examination. Too much of a reduction will result in tension upon the closure line and potential problems afterwards.

	 

	Please make sure you're working with a well experienced/board-certified plastic surgeon.

	Best wishes.

To What Extent Can my Areolas be Reduced?

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To What Extent Can my Areolas be Reduced?

Answers (8)

Answer: Areola reduction

Answer: Areola reduction

Answer: Areola reduction?

Answer: Areola reduction?

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Everything you need to know about Areola Reduction Surgery

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