Areola expanding after surgery. PS says that even if revision was done they would probably expand again. Is this true?

Question

I had a breast augmentation with areola reduction last year. In the beginning the areolas were very small, but they have now expanded quite a lot. The main problem is that one is bigger and a bit uneven. My surgeon will perform a revision to fix my pockets, but he said that even if he would redo my areolas, they would probably expand again. Is this true? I did move around quite a lot and started working out way too early after surgery and wonder if this could have affected the outcome?

Mathew A. Plant, MD, FRCSC · Answer

It depends on how the procedure's performed. If it's done using a gore-tex suture to maintain the areola size then it should not expand. If it's done without one, then it will definitely expand.

Roger Tsai, MD · Answer

Great question!  When you had your breast augmentation the first time along with the areolar reduction, there was a lot of tension over the incision and there is a much higher chance of areolar expansion.  Now that the skin and tissues are relaxed, the chances of areolar expansion are significantly less as there isn't nearly quite as much tension over the wound as it was before.  So it should be better the second time around.Best of luck and hope this information helps!
- Dr. Roger Tsai  @DrRogerTsai
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Sam Jejurikar, MD · Answer

It's hard to answer the question specifically without knowing some details regarding your procedure. That being said, in general, larger implants with higher profiles tend to place more pressure on the areola and on your incisions. The end result, in general, are wider areolas and wider scars.Thus, if you have a large, higher profile implant, you are more likely to experience recurrent repeat widening of your areolas. If you have a relaxed skin envelope with a reasonably small, lower profile implant, the areolas are less likely to widen again.Hope this helps - Sam Jejurikar, MD

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear jeanparis,
it is hard to tell for sure but if your incision has increased tension, they will increase in size. Your surgeon is probably right but if you have any concerns, I suggest you to discuss it with him. 
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Tamy M. Faierman, MD · Answer

Great question! In general, areolae tend to stretch after breast augmentation, and it's not uncommon to have some subtle asymmetry. It is likely worthwhile to revise them if they bother you a lot, though be aware that they could re-stretch again. There are surgical techniques known to minimize areolar spread, ask your surgeon about them. Good luck! Dr. Tamy

Areola expanding after surgery. PS says that even if revision was done they would probably expand again. Is this true?

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Areola expanding after surgery. PS says that even if revision was done they would probably expand again. Is this true?

Answers (6)

Answer: Areola expanding

Answer: Areola expanding

Answer: Areoale

Answer: Areoale

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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