What Do I Need to Know About Areola Reduction?

Question

I'm 20 years old and very unhappy with the size of my nipples and and considering surgery. They are both about 8-9 cm in diameter. I have no plans to have children in the near future. What do I need to know about nipple surgery?

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Areola reduction surgery may be very effective in reducing the size of the areola. However, this procedure may be associated with unsatisfactory results. For example, you may find that the breast profile is flattened after this procedure.

	It is also important to know that the areola scar will always be noticeable (some more than others). This may be because the scar heals with too much or too little pigment or because the scar is raised. You should also be aware, that areola reduction surgery does carry other risks such as spreading of the areola, asymmetry, shape irregularity etc. in order to avoid disappointment, it behooves you to be aware of the worse case scenario and, armed with that  information decide whether to proceed with the procedure, or not.

	Make sure you are evaluated by a well trained/experienced board-certified plastic surgeon (and see many examples of his/her work) to maximize your chances of a successful results.

	Best wishes.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

An areola reduction is a procedure that involves an incision that goes around the circumference of the areola in order to downsize it.  It can sometimes be performed in an office surgical suite under local anesthesia.  Sutures are used to close the incision and will require minor home care.  The risks are low but include bleeding, infection, changes in sensation, and the areola could stretch again.  See a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more.

Pat Pazmino, MD, FACS · Answer

Patients today have many different options in the reduction of the areola. The most important first step is to determine if this is all that the patient needs to create a pleasing breast shape and appearance. In many patients, the large areola may also be a component of an abnormally shaped breast caused from tuberous breast deformity or natural sagging of the breast. Your plastic surgeon will be able to review your options and help you decide which procedures will create a balanced and beautiful breast shape and appearance.

Nina S. Naidu, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi,
I would recommend seeing a plastic surgeon for an evaluation in order to discuss your options.  Your areolae may be enlarged if the breasts are very large, or if you have tuberous breasts, in which the breast tissue tends to grow out and "flop" down instead of forming a typical round mound on the chest.  Areola reduction itself is a straightforward procedure in which the excess pigmented tissue is removed and sutures are placed around the entire areola.  However, if you have large breasts or tuberous breasts, additional surgery on the breast might be necessary to achieve the shape you desire.  Many women still have normal sensation of the nipples and are able to breastfeed after this type of surgery.  Good luck.

Michael C. Edwards, MD, FACS · Answer

The procedure is relatively straight forward but when your areola are this wide, you may have a tuberous or constricted breast, especially if you have not had children. 
Also, if your breasts are large, the proportionality has to be kept in mind to. 
I would recommend that you visit with a board-certified plastic surgeon so they can examine you and go over your options.
Dr Edwards

What Do I Need to Know About Areola Reduction?

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Answer: Areola reduction

Answer: Areola reduction

Answer: The procedure is relatively straight forward

Answer: The procedure is relatively straight forward

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Everything you need to know about Areola Reduction Surgery

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What Do I Need to Know About Areola Reduction?

Answers (6)

Answer: Areola reduction

Answer: Areola reduction

Answer: The procedure is relatively straight forward

Answer: The procedure is relatively straight forward

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Areola Reduction Surgery

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