Is There a Procedure to Lower Areola Post Breast Reduction? How Does It Work? (photo)

Question

I'm over a decade post op from breast reduction. My areolas are too high/uneven and I want them lowered/as symmetrical as possible. I'm having a difficult time identifying the right/correct/best type of board certified plastic surgeon to review my case. Who does this in NYC?

Adam J. Oppenheimer, MD, FACS · Answer

After breast reductions, the breasts may "bottom out" over time. When the nipples lie above a sagging breast, the term pseudoptosis is used. This is particularly common if a specific type of reduction is performed (the inferior pedicle technique). In order to correct this problem, the lower breast skin must be excised and the gland may require further reduction (removal of breast tissue). While this may result in smaller breasts, the appearance will be improved and the breasts will have a more natural contour.

Robert F. Centeno, MD, FACS · Answer

Lowering of the areola and nipple position is very difficult to do. Long term relapse of skin laxity due to breast tissue dissent can make this problem worse.  The best option is to consider a breast lift or slight reduction to reposition the breast tissue in a higher position relative the the nipple/areolar position with internal suspension.  This has the best chance of improving your breast shape, appearance and nipple position relative to the breast mound. Best wishes.

Hilton Becker, MD · Answer

This is a difficult problem to correct 

	Do not lower the nipple with a scar it will look bad.

	Your best bet is to do intra- operative expansion , tissue re-positioning and fixation with dermal graft or mesh

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It is difficult to tell if your areola are too high or your breasts are too saggy.  Sometimes it is the later and a revision of your lift/reduction can be performed.  To actually lower the areola can be done, but a scar will be present above the 12 o'clock position on the areola( the top).  Good luck.

William B. Rosenblatt, MD · Answer

You really need to be seen in person -- but by those photos, it actually looks as if the nipples are OK -- but the breast has bottomed out. It is simple to shorten the vertical component of your reduction and raise the breast tissue so it is behind your nipples. This should not be a difficult fix. Who fixes it? - someone like me -- and experience board certified plastic surgeon.

Is There a Procedure to Lower Areola Post Breast Reduction? How Does It Work? (photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Lowering areola?

Answer: Lowering areola?

Answer: This can be fixed.

Answer: This can be fixed.

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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Is There a Procedure to Lower Areola Post Breast Reduction? How Does It Work? (photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Lowering areola?

Answer: Lowering areola?

Answer: This can be fixed.

Answer: This can be fixed.

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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