Areolas too small. What can be done now? Do you recommend tattooing? (Photo)

Question

I am 32 years old. I had reduction and lift breast surgery 24 days ago. The size of the breasts is OK, but the areolas... While my surgeon was doing the markings on my breast, I told her that I wanted areolas 3.5cm in diameter, I had 7 cm to start with. And now that I've measured them, they are only 2cm in diameter. I've been crying about it. They look so weird. What can be done now? Do you recommend tattoing? if so, How much time should I wait for it? Thank you

Juan Carlos Fuentes, MD · Answer

At 24 days after the surgery, you still need to wait to see the final results, as the time goes by, then the skin on the breast will relax and the areolas may get wider in diameter. Between 6 to 9 months after the surgery, is when you can see the final diameter of them and then take a better decision a revision on the areolas can be done to stretch them more. A tattoo may be another option, the problem is to match the areolas color with the tattoo, most of the times is hard to get the same color.

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

The nipples will stretch out over time.  Before 6 months there is really nothing for you to do except wait patiently.  At 24 day it is too soon for you to be worried about the outcome.

Mathew A. Plant, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Its still very early after your surgery so the most important thing you can do right now is be patient. As your breasts settle you may notice an increase in the size of the areolas, especially as the sutures dissolve. If in 6 months to a year you still are unhappy then discuss your options with your surgeon.

Heather J. Furnas, MD · Answer

Sorry to hear about your concerns.  First, concentrate on fully healing your surgery.  Some settling will happen and, many times, once sutures dissolve the areolas can sometimes stretch.   Keep your surgeon advised of all your concerns.  You may want to wait at least 6 months before deciding on any future options.  Good luck in healing.

Areolas too small. What can be done now? Do you recommend tattooing? (Photo)

Answers (4)

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