Why are my areolas so large? (Photo)

Question

So I have noticed throughout these past few years how big my areolas really are.. they are about 2 1/2 inches in diameter. They make me very insecure.. I think they look unproportioned and saggy and my left boob is bigger than my right. I also have gained alot of weight in the past 5 years.. about 45 people pounds. I don't know if that is the reason or if it's because of genetics.. are my boobs even normal?? Am I a candidate for an areola reduction and breast lift? I am eighteen by the way.

Marc Pacifico, MD, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Dear vickc08Many thanks for posting your question. I am sorry to hear how insecure your breasts are making you feel. From what I can see on the photographs, your breasts are completely normal.Breasts, nipples and areolae come in all shapes and sizes, and you are completely within normal limits. Perhaps your weight fluctuations have had an effect on your breasts, but even so, this might be how your breasts would have naturally developed anyway. Regarding surgery to reshape your breasts, you are right in that a breast lift will lift and tighten your breasts and reduce the size of your areolae. If you are thinking about this, please ensure you see a full accredited board certified plastic surgeon.I hope this helps

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  Breasts come in a variety of different shapes and sizes and yours are well within normal.  I do see your concerns and much of the appearance you have is from inherent genetics.  There are options at improvement, chief among those a breast lift which would allow for resizing and repositioning of your nipple and areola into a higher, more youthful position, while also allowing an improvement in volume differences between your breasts.  See a series of ASPS board certified plastic surgeons in consultation to discuss.

James F. Boynton, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. I do believe a breast lift would give you a smaller diameter areola as well as "lift" the breast as this basically "lifts and tightens" the breast tissue, picking up the nipple-areolar complex relative to the inframammary crease (crease under breast).  This aesthetically gives a more "centered" ,smaller diameter areola relative to the breast mound.  Breast lifts can also improve breast asymmetries.   I think you can do a breast lift at your age; however, one important thing to mention, that I tell all young patients considering a breast lift is the uncertainty of being able to breast feed in the future after having a breast lift. I hope this is helpful.  Good luck!

David Stoker, MD · Answer

Genetics is the likely reason that your areolas are larger than average. Weight fluctuations may add to the diameter increase. You appear to be a good candidate for breast lift with areola reduction. Good luck.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Areola tissue comes in all sizes.  it is not dangerous nor considered "abnormal".  However from the photo it does appear that you would have an improvement in shape with a breast lift.  As part of this procedure the areola can be downsized to be more harmonious with the rest of the breast.  See a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more.

Shelby K. Brantley, Jr. MD · Answer

Good morning. Thank you for the question.  I hear this question a lot from patients. Insecurities are common with concerns with breasts.  The size of your areola can change due to hormone changes, childbirth, weight gain, etc.  These can be downsized to the appropriate size for your breast mound.  I would recommend looking into getting a breast lift and augmenation.  This would be a quick fix for the droop, the decrease in areola size, and give you some upper pole long term fullness for your breasts.  Age should not be a factor as long as the PS you choose is comfortable with the operation for you.  Good luck.

Jean Paul Giudicelli Saba, MD · Answer

Hi, thanks for sharing your concern and photos with us!
First I want to congratulate you for making this important decision. Deciding to get an aesthetic procedure to change your body and get a new life style is a big step!
  
Looking at your photos I might say that you´ll be a great candidate to get a breast lift with implants, this is because your chest looks a bit saggy and the implants will definitely help you fill the superior pole of your breast giving you an excellent and beautiful shape.
  
Before all this, of course, you need to get to a complete medical evaluation and laboratory exams to check everything is fine. For us your safety, always, is going to be first.
  
Have a great day! 
  
Dr. JPG

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

The weight gain likely exacerbated and stretched out your areolae. You would be a surgical candidate but keep in mind that your breasts can continue to grow in the next few years. Also, this is a costly surgery so you have to weigh your financial resources and other obligations, such as tuition.

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