Is there any treatment for my folded areola that causes the nipple to point down? (photos)

Question

Since 2014, my areola has indented at its base, causing it to fold over with the nipple pointing downward. I'm not as concerned about the aesthetics as I am about the skin in the folded area. It's getting thinner over time and I'm worried it'll wear through with friction since I'm very athletic and active. It feels gross, too, honestly. It gets sweaty and little bumps form and it's bothersome. Is there anything that could fill this area out? It's from an old breast implant removal scar.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It is unclear whether you had any surgery; it looks like you had a breast augmentation with peri-areolar incision? In any case, this deformity can be corrected. In person evaluation by a board certified plastic surgeon with good reputation in breast surgery is recommended. Good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Writer310,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Generally speaking, it is possible to correct it and it can probably be done under local anesthesia. 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

Allen M. Doezie, MD · Answer

This is from scar tissue pulling inward and making the nipple point down. I have seen this a lot after breast implant removal and it can be corrected with a scar revision. Sometimes it can only improved but not completely corrected. Fat grafting may be an option to provide some thickness to the thin area that has been separated from surgery.

David Finkle, MD · Answer

This is a depressed scar from a previous surgical procedure.  A scar revision procedure can be performed to correct this.  It can be performed under a local anesthetic as an outpatient and return to work the next day.I would recommend consulting with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for this procedure.Good Luck!

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

The invitation is most likely caused  by scar tissue contraction or misalignment from the two tissue plans from your last surgery.
This is something most plastic surgeons could probably improve by redoing the closure and removing some of the scar tissue. This could be done in the office under local anesthesia.
I suggest following up with the surgeon who did your last breast surgery.
I don’t think filling this in is going to correct the problem.
It is not from a lack of volume. 
Best, 
Mats Hagstrom MD

Is there any treatment for my folded areola that causes the nipple to point down? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Depressed scar

Answer: Depressed scar

Answer: Scar tissue contraction

Answer: Scar tissue contraction

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Nipple Surgery

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

Is there any treatment for my folded areola that causes the nipple to point down? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Depressed scar

Answer: Depressed scar

Answer: Scar tissue contraction

Answer: Scar tissue contraction

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Nipple Surgery

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