Areola revision after breast reduction - can this be improved 6 years post op? (Photos)

Question

I had an anchor incision breast reduction in May 2019. There is some "leftover" areolar skin beneath my new areolas. My surgeon said these were the result of how she had to make the incisions and the shape of my old areolas. Now that I'm 6 years post-op, do I have any options for getting rid of these?

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Thanks for your question! You are far enough out that you could revise the reduction and possibly get a lift or another reduction, and you should be able to get rid of the residual areola. Good luck!

Ramiro Morales, Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and pictures.  It is true that occasionally some residual areola tissue remains die to the pre-op size of the areolas.  At this point, from looking at the pictures, it seems as though doing a breast lift (mastopexy) would be able to remove the extra areolar tissue and lift the breast more.  Be sure to see a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon for your consultation.

Justin Yovino, MD, FACS · Answer

It appears that you are a good candidate for a secondary breast lift which would address the excess leftover areolar skin as you mentioned. Essentially, the excess skin around and under your areolae would be removed. This would include removing your current scars. The result would be a lift of your nipples and areolae and tightening of your breast to give a more rounded perky appearance.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

It should be possible to get rid of the aerial of skin safely at this point.
Taking out too much skin during the primary procedure can increase the risk of complications so sometimes we need to leave some of that pigmented skin behind for safety reasons.
When doing it as the second procedure, the chance of complications is usually much less.
Either follow up with your provider or schedule a few in person consultations with other plastic surgeons in your community.
FYI,
It’s always best to include before and after pictures.
If you don’t have before and after pictures and ask your surgeon to forward the pictures they took.
You should always have a set of proper before and after pictures and keep those to use as a reference in the future.
If you do need to get copies of before and after pictures, then you should also request a copy of your medical record especially your operative report.
Bring those with you for any secondary consultation.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Areola revision after breast reduction - can this be improved 6 years post op? (Photos)

Answers (4)