Concerned about traditional reduction technique due to very small and light areolas. (photos)

Question

I m 53 yrs old, 5'1", 110 lbs and a 34DD. I am post menopausal and am so ready to get my body back. I am concerned with scarring around the nipple due to my fair skin and small areolas. Is there any way to avoid this? I was a 34C until menopause and estrogen replacement. Would love to get down to a full B or small C.

John LoMonaco, MD, FACS · Answer

In general, your skin type should be more favorable to produce an acceptable scar. It's my experience that the vertical (lollipop technique) produces overall less scar than the anchor scar method, and those scars are often of better quality.  When downsizing the breast, there is typically less tension on the skin which is a good thing when avoiding unfavorable scars. Scar reduction techniques are a routine part of our postop care, and also play their role.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. Based on your description, you may be an excellent candidate for breast reduction surgery. This operation tends to be one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform.

“Typical” patients who present for breast reduction surgery are women who have disproportionately large breasts, causing problems such as neck/back/shoulder discomfort, postural changes, bra strap grooving, skin irritation/rashes under the breasts, and/or difficulty with activities of daily living and/or exercise etc. There may be both physical as well as psychosocial “stress” caused by the disproportionately large breasts.

Reducing breast tissue mass and elevating the breasts on the chest wall tend to improve or alleviate many of the symptoms associated with the disproportionately large breasts.

Patients considering breast reduction surgery should also consider the potential downsides (risks/complications) associated with the procedure as well. Poor scarring, for example may be associated with the procedure. Additional surgery may be necessary in the short or longer term for a multitude of reasons.With the goal of improving communication with my patients I find the use of photographs of “goal” pictures (and breasts that are too big or too small) very helpful. I have found that the use of words such as “natural” or “full B or small C cup” means different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful. Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on who makes the bra; therefore, discussing desired cup size may also be inaccurate.

When the time is right, I suggest that you seek consultation with well experienced plastic surgeons who can demonstrate significant experience achieving the types of outcomes you would be pleased with. Ultimately, careful selection of your plastic surgeon will be the most important decision you make.

To this end, I would suggest you visit a few surgeons whose practices concentrate on aesthetic surgery. Ask to see lots of examples of their work and preferably speak/see patients who have had similar procedures done.

I hope this, and the attached link (dedicated to breast reduction surgery concerns), helps. Best wishes.

Concerned about traditional reduction technique due to very small and light areolas. (photos)

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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Concerned about traditional reduction technique due to very small and light areolas. (photos)

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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