I have very puffy areolas. Is this normal? (photos)

It appears that you have congenital breast deformity that is called tuberous breasts. Typically breasts have narrow base, they are elongated and have larger, protruding areolas. This deformity can be corrected with elective surgery. In person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon with good reputation in breast surgery is recommended. Good luck.

Hello, and thank you for your question regarding very puffy areolas and whether this is normal. A physical examination is warranted, and a more thorough medical history is also essential. However, from your limited pictures, most plastic surgeons would agree that you have a condition called tuberous breast deformity. A tuberous breast has a narrow base and an elongated breast. This can also lead to large areolas. Often, there is breast and areolar asymmetry. Treatment depends on what you’re looking to achieve with breast surgery. Most patients with tuberous breast deformity elect for breast augmentation and areolar reduction, and possibly even breast lift (mastopexy). During the breast implant insertion, it is essential to widen the base of the breast. This is accomplished through a procedure called radial scoring of the breast base. Some plastic surgeons stage these procedures to minimize complications. However, most plastic surgeons perform this as a combined surgery, with the insertion of the breast implant, radial scoring, and areolar reduction all performed in a single surgery. There is a moderate likelihood of requiring revisional surgery, depending on the case’s complexity. Most plastic surgeons would suggest you need to be completely developed before embarking upon reconstructive surgery for a tuberous breast deformity. Tuberous breast deformity treatment timing will depend on other features of puberty. Therefore, it will be important for you to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon and possibly even an endocrinologist to ensure that the breasts have fully developed. Thank you for your question regarding very puffy areolas and whether this is normal. Good luck. Most plastic surgeons offer complimentary virtual or in-person consultations.  Therefore, explore what other plastic surgeons have to say.  If you cannot find an experienced plastic surgeon in your area, consider traveling to another state for specialized care.  Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (Plastic Surgeon, President of  the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery and ​member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, RealSelf Hall of Fame, and RealSelf Doctor Advisory Board for Medical Review and Consumer Panel.)

I agree with my colleague below that you have some component of "tuberous breasts" which affects the shape of the breasts and also can have central breast tissue "herniate" in the the nipple areolar complex causing varying degrees of "puffiness" to the nipple areolar area.  I would recommend visiting with one or several board-certified plastic surgeons with significant experience in aesthetic breast surgery to go over your options.  Many times, I believe, breast augmentation is helpful in this scenario for shape improvements.  Sometime internal tissue also has to be "released" and finally the areola can be reduced in diameter with an interlocking gore-tex suture technique to reduce the size.  It is not uncommon for these procedures to be done in two steps or in two stages to get the best results. I hope this is helpful for you.  Good luck to you!

There are a lot of factors to consider when it comes to puffy nipples or wide areolas. An examination would have to been done to find out what best fits you.This is a common procedure that most people don’t even know is an option. Surgeons can improve puffy or inverted nipples with a wide variety of surgical and nonsurgical simple office procedures under local anesthesia.This can typically be done in the office under local anesthesia. Usually there are no drains, no outside stitches, and patients can go out in public the same day. Most of the initial swelling is from the numbing medicine and your body absorbs it within the first 4-6 hours. Obviously the body heals with swelling and inflammation and usually that maxes out at two days and then starts getting better. Most of these patients take no pain medicine and usually feel very comfortable going out in public within a few days.  I usually call my patients the night of surgery and check on them the next day. If everything is fine the next day, I then let them shower and they do not need a dressing over their incisions. They can usually start using make up after a few days.  At the two week check up, I usually have people start working out and then after six weeks they can do whatever they want. Additionally with recovery, there're many things we do to expedite healing such as nerve blocks during surgery, oral supplements, skin care and scar therapy recommendations, lymphatic massage sessions that are included in our pricing.I strongly feel that it's very important to have an honest conversation with your surgeon about your particular situation, lifestyle, work environment and specifically which procedures you're having done so that you both have the most honest answer about your recovery and are realistic with expectations and results.I would recommend that you see a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area that is a member of both ASPS & ASAPS and performs a lot of breast and nipple surgery.I hope this helps and wish you all the best in your surgery and event. If it does, please take a moment to up vote this answer on the “respond” button on the top right.  

Hi and thank you for the question. You have constricted/tuberous breasts which is not uncommon. We usually improve the breast shape and correct the puffy areolas by placing implants, releasing tight breast tissue, and performing a mastopexy (breast lift) using an incision around the areolas. I would suggest seeing 2-3 board certified plastic surgeons near you with great reputations for breast surgery. Best of luck.
Dr West