Female puffy areola only one side, what can be done?

Question

As the title states, I am a 24 year old that has had one puffy nipple that developed at the age of about 16. I do not have children, and have a 5', 95 lb frame. My breasts are a size B-C, but I am not happy with the puffiness of the areola and shape of my left breast, which is a bit tuberous. When cold/stimulated, the puffiness of the areola constricts and flattens and the breast becomes a rounder, more flattering shape like my right breast and I am much happier with it. What are my options?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

All of these elements can usually be addressed in one surgery.  Tuberous breasts usually require freeing of tissue that is constricted and releasing the IMF.  The breast shape can be improved with a circumareolar incision.  Consult in person with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss the best treatment plan to reach your goals.

Amir Nakhdjevani, MBBS, MRCS, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Thank you for your question. You would benefit from a circumareolar reduction which would involve an incision around the areola and reducing the volume that is pushing through/ herniating into the areola area.This can be carried out under local anaesthetic and usually takes about hour to do. I hope this is of help BW

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

tuberous breasts are not simply small or underdeveloped breasts. The appearance of the breast can range from mild to severe, and typical traits include: enlarged, puffy areola, rather wide spacing between the breasts, very little breast tissue, sagging, higher than normal inferior breast fold, and narrow base at the chest wall.The type of surgery best for you will depend on the severity of your condition.My preferred technique for tuberous breast correction involves a multistep procedure where the breast tissue is released in a radial pattern to prevent herniation into the areola and placement of a custom implant size is in the breast to allow appropriate expansion of the breast in the restricted dimensions. This can often be done in a single procedure but sometimes may require two surgeries.That said, it is best that you visit a board-certified plastic surgeon for an in person examination. 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

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

I appreciate your concern and your photos demonstrate possible mild signs of constricted breasts. Breast augmentation technique in patients with all types of constricted breasts differ, depending on the degree of constricted breasts.  Usually placement of sub muscular silicone implants with release of constricted inferior pole breast tissue is extremely effective, and may even improve your nipple situation. Be sure to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon with lots of experience with constricted breasts. Good luck!

Vaishali B. Doolabh, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi.  Thanks for sharing pictures.  It is possible to flatten the "puffy nipple" with an incision around your areola.  You will gain improvements in shape and volume with an implant (which one depends upon your measurements and how loose the tissues are).  In tuberous breasts it is often necessary to release the inframammary fold (tissue where breasts meet tummy) to help round out the bottom.  Be sure to consult with an ABPS certified surgeon for a complete examination.  Best wishes,

Mel T. Ortega, MD · Answer

Hi There , Thank you for your Question 
Many surgeons, including myself, offer online virtual consultations where you send us your photos and we can estimate the cost. I, like many surgeons, also offer free consultations so that you can be examined and given the most accurate quote

Kenneth Sumida, MD · Answer

You have a mild form of tuberous breasts.  It can be improved with a circumareolar mastopexy.   It is important to interview several local experts.   You also should see the before and after results.   You will have to justify the scar for the minor change that you will obtain since you have a minor form.

James M. Sheridan, MD · Answer

thank you for your question.  Your photos indicate a mild tuberous deformity of the L) side.  This can be corrected with surgery; typically a circumareolar mastopexy with an implant.  Preferably the implant should be subglandular.  Remember though some asymmetry of shape, size and overall appearance is likely but things should be significantly better both in terms of symmetry & overall shape.  Good luck & hope this helps
James Sheridan, MD

David Janssen, MD, FACS · Answer

It would appear that you have a mild-to-moderate tubular breast on the left side causing your symptoms.  It is hard to say from photos but you look slightly smaller on the left than on the right as well.  If the size difference  itself doesn't bother you, I would simply make an incision on the lower aspect of the areola on the left side and internally release the constricting bands that cause the tubular breast deformity, much like releasing a web around your true/deeper breast tissue.  That would likely get rid of the puffiness and have a lower risk of nipple areola insensibility.

David Azouz, MD, FACS, FRCS(C) · Answer

From the photos there appears to be two different factors at play in the shape of the breast but they are both related to a mild tuberous breast.
1) Puffy nipples are due to contracture of the areola on the breast tissue
2) There is a lack of upper pole fullness  and the breast tissue is all pushing into the areola. 
The solution to this problem is removing the contracture of the areola, and sculpting the breast tissue into a more aesthetic form.  If more fullness is desired in the upper chest (giving more cleavage), then fat grafting or an implant can be placed.  
good luck and a great question!

Female puffy areola only one side, what can be done?

Answers (14)

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