why are my areolas so large/dark? would my breasts be considered "saggy" or asymmetrical? (photo)

Having large areola are not uncommon and are natural. In addition, they can be different in size between the two. There are different options to help you including a donut lift that reduces the diameter of the areola and lifts up the nipple. An implant can also be used to help correct volume asymmetry and increase the upper pole of both breasts. Make sure you see plastic surgeons that are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery with significant experience in these surgeries. Good luck on your journey!

Hello!  Thank you for your question! It is normal for the breast to lose its firmness and perkiness over time, which is accentuated with age, pregnancy/breast feeding, weight gain/loss, and gravity. This ultimately results in ptosis, or sagging, of the breast with often times, a “deflated” appearance. Women often seek the mastopexy, or breast lift, procedure to regain the previous youthful appearance of her breasts and desire that uplifted and perky appearance of her breasts. Women report increased confidence, self-esteem, and femininity once she achieves this desired shape and fullness. Breast lifts may or may not be performed with implants – the implant would add increased size but also greater fullness in the upper pole of the breasts which creates more cleavage. The implant itself will add these things - given your photos, a breast lift alone is a reasonable decision. It is also common for the areola to enlarge and stretch during these changes. The lift will also serve to raise the nipple areolar complex to its appropriate position above the breast crease and at the most projecting portion. In addition the areola size will be decreased, which is often desired by the woman as well as achieve improved symmetry for you.  Color of the areola varies with skin complexion, hormones, etc. The decision for a breast lift will be up to you...depending on how much you are bothered about the shape as well as your concerns. Consult with a board certified plastic surgeon well-versed in breast surgery and s/he will assist you in deciding if a mastopexy will be the right decision for you. Cost will vary in your geographic location and also depends on what you would need done. For a standard breast lift, cost in range of $4-9k is reasonable. Thank you for your question! Hope that this helps. Best wishes for a wonderful result!

Large, dark areolas are very common and I see many patients with this complaint.  This is also commonly present with sagging breasts.  A breast lift is a very good procedure to address the size and position of the areola and also to improve the overall breast shape and perkiness. It appears you are a very good candidate for this.  I recommend seeing a board certified plastic surgeon with a special interest in breast surgery.   Best of luck.  

Thank you for sharing your question on RealSelf.com.You do seem to be sagging enough to discuss a breast lift.  However, one picture is really not enough to give you a definitive plan.Large areolas are not abnormal nor is the dark color.  A standard lift will reduce their size and give you a perkier appearance.  The trade off is scars that will fade nicely over several years and are well hidden within bras and bathing suits.Costs will vary depending on the experience of the surgeon.See several experienced, board-certified plastic surgeons for their opinions.Dr Spies

Hello,It is all very normal.  If you don't like your areolar size, and would also like more perky breasts, then you would be a great candidate for a breast lift with asymmetric reduction to achieve better symmetry. This process will also reduce your areolar size very effectively. Go visit a few ABPS certified/ASAPS member surgeons that specialize in cosmetic breast surgery.Best of luck!

Thank you for sharing. Pictures online only provide a limited conclusion. The picture shows some volume asymmetry and sagging. Larger prominent areolas are normal. The size of areolas and symmetry can be improved with a breast lift (mastopexy) in a single procedure. Cost will depend on your needs after a consultation. See a board certified plastic surgeon who can properly examine you for a complete consultation and option discussion. Best wishes

Your breasts are demonstrating tuberous breasts which can be corrected with a breast lift and implant placement. Please see examples below.

Saggy breasts with large areolae are easily treated with a lift. The asymmetry can be treated by adding a reduction to the larger side or an implant to the smaller, depending on your desires. See a board certified plastic surgeon with significant experience in all these options.