I'm 14 years old, never pregnant, a virgin, had my period for about 2 years, I'm a 36C. Both of my areoles are very large, about 2 1/2 inches wide. I'm very uncomfortable with my areola. Is there a reason they are like this? Is it normal? Is it cancerous? Is there a possible way that they can go to a normal size? I am extremely insecure about this.
March 7, 2018
Answer: Young and large areolas, is it normal? Having areolas on the larger side when you have larger breasts is normal. A 36C at age 14 for natural breasts is quite full, so again, it is normal for you to have wider areolas. Also areolar size is hereditary, and the sizes can vary from very narrow to very wide with small or large breasts. Lastly, to clear up a misconception, having children can widen areolas in some women, but not an everyone. Since you did not provide a picture, I can only speak in generalizations. There is a category where the areolas may appear large and “puffy” and usually this is a feature of a “tuberous breast”. This type of breast has specific features of the breast itself and not just the areola. Since you did not describe anything about that, I can only assume that your breasts are perfectly normal looking. You may still grow for the next couple of years and I advise that you not worry about it at this point. If you are still concerned, or the size or shape of your breasts bothers you, I suggest you have a parent take you to see a board-certified plastic surgeon for an assessment and some reassurance, although your family physician or OB/GYN would be fine as well.
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March 7, 2018
Answer: Young and large areolas, is it normal? Having areolas on the larger side when you have larger breasts is normal. A 36C at age 14 for natural breasts is quite full, so again, it is normal for you to have wider areolas. Also areolar size is hereditary, and the sizes can vary from very narrow to very wide with small or large breasts. Lastly, to clear up a misconception, having children can widen areolas in some women, but not an everyone. Since you did not provide a picture, I can only speak in generalizations. There is a category where the areolas may appear large and “puffy” and usually this is a feature of a “tuberous breast”. This type of breast has specific features of the breast itself and not just the areola. Since you did not describe anything about that, I can only assume that your breasts are perfectly normal looking. You may still grow for the next couple of years and I advise that you not worry about it at this point. If you are still concerned, or the size or shape of your breasts bothers you, I suggest you have a parent take you to see a board-certified plastic surgeon for an assessment and some reassurance, although your family physician or OB/GYN would be fine as well.
Helpful
December 21, 2017
Answer: Large areolas Hello and thank you for your question. It sounds like this is causing you some distress. Rest assured that large areolas are something very common amongst women. You are still very young and things are still changing in your body. Just know that if this is something that continues to bother you there is something that can be done about it. You just need to wait until you get to a point when your body is done changing/growing. At that point you can have a areola reduction surgery. I hope this helps and hang in there!Ankur Mehta MD
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December 21, 2017
Answer: Large areolas Hello and thank you for your question. It sounds like this is causing you some distress. Rest assured that large areolas are something very common amongst women. You are still very young and things are still changing in your body. Just know that if this is something that continues to bother you there is something that can be done about it. You just need to wait until you get to a point when your body is done changing/growing. At that point you can have a areola reduction surgery. I hope this helps and hang in there!Ankur Mehta MD
Helpful