How small can a doctor make an areola when doing an anchor breast lift?

Your surgeon can make your areola as large or small as you like. The typical diameter that most surgeons make the areola is 40 mm. But it can be made smaller if you and your surgeon decide on this

Hi Improving777,
The areola size is chosen during the preop markings on the breast skin, and as well in the operating room when your surgeon actually cuts out the areola to size.
If you have specific preferences for a small areola, I would suggest making your wishes very clear to your surgeon in advance. He or she may change the pre-op markings or pre-op plan based on your goals.
Hope this helps.
Best,Christopher Pannucci MD MSBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonPlastic Surgery NorthwestSpokane, Washington

The areolae can be decreased in size during a lift, but by how much is something that can be discussed with your surgeon.

Hello @Improving777, thank you for your question. It is important to develop a surgical plan or non surgical protocol that fits your possibilities, to fulfill your wishes for improvement and to take into account what can actually be achieve. I would encourage you to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. During your consultation, your surgeon will be able to assess your unique needs and develop a treatment plan that is right for you. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS.

Absolutely. You can customize the size of the areola with a breast lift or a breast reduction as long as you desire a smaller size.

Hello, thank you for your question. Yes typically we do reduce the size of the areola when doing a breast lift/mastopexy. We can make it small it really depends on how much of the surrounding areolar tissue we can remove with the mastopexy.

At the time of surgery, the surgeon can make the areolas as small as you prefer. However, I do not recommend the anchor lift but do recommend The Bellesoma Method. This will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Your surgeon can show you pictures and discuss this further with you. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Dear Improving777,
my preferred lift is a lollipop lift when a periareolar won't do (ie greater than 2cm lift required). The lollipop technique was created by a Canadian plastic surgeon named Elizabeth Hall-Findley and treats the breast as a three dimensional structure instead of two dimensions (anchor - lift). Most importantly it does not require the horizontal component scars that the anchor-lift requires and breasts appear much more natural, lifted, and less boxy. Lastly, the lift lasts longer because the lollipop doesn't rely on the skin to hold the breast up, its actually breast tissue thats being brought together to support the breast and hence improves longevity.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

The areolae can be made smaller, but there is a chance that some stretching might occur. The areolae can be made smaller again, if needed.