One areola is much larger than the other after a periareolar lift. I am very concerned, is this permanent? what can I do?

Question

I am 4 weeks post op. I got 350cc implants with a periareolar lift. My right areola is much larger than the left and I am very very upset. Is this permanent? I know healing takes 6 months but it seems strange that my right areola would "shrink". I had all my stiches removed 8 days after surgery. What can I do?

Ricardo A. Meade, MD · Answer

Try not to get too concerned about the appearance of your breasts just yet – there’s still a lot of healing to do and some asymmetry is normal at this stage. Once you're at about 6 months post-surgery, you can get in touch with your plastic surgeon about a revision if you still see significant asymmetry. Good luck with the rest of your recovery and do get in touch with your plastic surgeon if you become concerned about any aspect of your results. Unfortunately, this is not uncommon following this combination procedure, and many plastic surgeons no longer offer this.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Hi there, Thank you for your question. it takes a good 3-6 months to see the full results. If you are still unhappy at that time schedule an appointment with your surgeon and discuss a revision. Best, realdrsix

Christopher J. Davidson, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photograph.  My strong advice is to wait a full 4-6 months before considering a final result.  That being said, should you still have a significant asymmetry in areola size, you could consider a small revision procedure.  It is unlikely that the areola will shrink.  Best of luck.

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

This is a common concern after surgery. The breast implant will push on the tissue and stretch the skin out. Each breast is different. I think you should wait for full healing at a year and if there's a remarkable difference then consider revision surgery.

Best wishes, Dr. Aldo

Best wishes, Dr. Aldo

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

It's best to talk to your surgeon about your concerns. Adjustments can be done if you and your surgeon agree on the expected outcomes. For more information on this and similar topics, I recommend a plastic surgery Q&A book like "The Scoop On Breasts: A Plastic Surgeon Busts the Myths."

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

are very common.  All you can do at this time is heal and once healed, consider options on how to reduce the larger side so its more in line with the other side.  This is an inherent problem with this procedure and some of us no longer do this unless its the only option left.  It will not shrink but your other side could get larger to better match your areolas in size.

Ian MacArthur, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is often the case that there may be asymmetry after breast surgery due to differences in normal post-operative inflammation. Although your surgery occurred 4 weeks ago there will certainly be some residual swelling that can alter the appearance of the breasts. This swelling may be present up to 6 months after surgery, and sometimes can last even longer. My suggestion would be to communicate your concerns with your plastic surgeon and allow some time to pass for the swelling to decrease. All the best with your recovery.

Daniel Brown, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi and thanks for you questions and photo.  Unfortunately, the larger areola will not "shrink" and the noticeable difference in size likely will not change or improve.  My best advice would be to discuss it with your surgeon to explore treatment/revision options after approximately 6 months.Best wishes!Dr. Brown

Mehdi K. Mazaheri, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photo. Unfortunately I don't think you right areola is going to "shrink". You should ask your surgeon if they used a permanent internal suture to maintain the areolar size. If so, the right stitch may have broken. Please discuss your concerns with your surgeon.  Good luck. DrMaz

Michael H. Wojtanowski, MD · Answer

Your result is very early postop and there will be some further changes with healing, especially with the smaller areolar dime term getting somewhat larger . If, after an adequate period of healing of at least 3-6 months the asymmetry persists, you should address this with your surgeon and a revision may improve this issue.

One areola is much larger than the other after a periareolar lift. I am very concerned, is this permanent? what can I do?

Answers (14)

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