What Size Should my Nipples Be if I Am Estimated to Be a C Cup After Breast Lift?

Question

I am trying to decide what size nipples I should be reduced to when I have my upcoming major lift / mommy makeover. My doc said he uses a 3.5 cm marking ring but I find that a little small. In your opinion what size would you recommend for an estimated C cup 36. Thanks

S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for this excellent question.  I have always used a 35 - 38 mm cookie cutter for C cup breasts.  One of your earlier responders, Jay Burns M.D. of Dallas, Texas, makes an excellent point about an even smaller post op areolar diameter.  Since you consider 35 mm small, I probably wouldn't go any smaller if I were you. 

	 

	Two things to remember.  One, this is your body and you have a choice.  Two, don't forget they all stretch out a little bit post surgery.

Franziska Huettner, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Dear Slimsoon, thank you for your question. There is no one size fits all answer to your question. It depends on the size of your breasts, the relationship of your breast size to your height and weight overall, as well as your personal preference. Please also keep in mind that the areola might stretch to some unpredictable degree after surgery, depending on how much breast tissue you will have remaining after your lift. I recommend you show your surgeon pictures of the breast and areolar size you would like to end up with, after all the swelling has resolved and after the breasts have settled after surgery. He will then have a better understanding on what you are envisioning and have an informed discussion with you if that is possible. I always recommend to be seen by a board certified plastic surgeon. Best wishes, Franziska Huettner

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

In the vast majority
of patients, areola size is a matter of personal preference. When patients have
larger breasts, they generally require larger areolas to achieve harmony and
balance. In most breast lifts, we prefer the utilization of 38 to 45 mm areola
sizers. The exact choice is dependent upon the patient’s anatomy and personal
preference.

It’s important to
discuss this issue with your plastic surgeon before proceeding with breast lift
surgery. Your surgeon should be able to formulate a treatment plan that will
meet your aesthetic goals.

Jaime Perez, MD · Answer

Hello. Areola size is purely aesthetic. For this reason, the decision will be up to you. 3.5 cm is fairly small; I usually use a 3.8 cm or 4.2 cm marking ring. If you do not agree with your doctor, make sure they are aware so that you can both be on the same page.

	Jaime Perez, MD
	Breast Lift Specialist
	Plastic Surgery Center of Tampa

Armando Soto, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi there-

	I would discuss this with your surgeon before surgery, as there is some "wiggle room" with regard to the diameter of your aureolas after surgery. This is going to be a matter of personal preference (yours)- there is no commonly agreed on number at which all areolas will look best.

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.

	For breast lift, breast reduction and most reconstructive breast surgeries; "standard" nipple size is 38-42 mm.

	However, if you have a particular size in mind that you would like, then tell your plastic surgeon. I'm sure he/she can accommodate your request.

	To be sure, see two or more board-certified plastic surgeons in your area for a full and complete evaluation to make sure you are a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have surgery.  I hope this helps.

Jeffrey S. Church, MD, DDS · Answer

Nipple areolar size (diameter) is a matter of personal preference. I was taught that 4.5 cm was "normaI". However, I generally feel that smaller is more youthful and use 3.8 cm for smaller breasts and 4.2cm for larger breasts. I do discuss nipple areola size with each breast surgery patient to get an idea of what they would like.

Grant Stevens, MD · Answer

Areola size is a matter of preference - larger breasts tend to have larger areolae. If you are used to having large areolae you may prefer a 4.2 cm size. It may be helpful to look through photos of women with your estimated final breast size and find areolae that you think are the right size. Show these to your surgeon. Good luck!

Michael A. Bogdan, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

I always try to make the nipple proportionate to the breast size.  If my patient has a preference on size, I will honor their wishes.  (In some cases, their anatomy might make their wishes impossible to attain, but this is obvious pre-operatively, and we can discuss this issue during the consultation.)  The final result of nipple size depends on how the body heals and tissue stretch, but this is strongly influenced by how the surgery was designed / performed.
	Dr.B

C. Bob Basu, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Please communicate your concerns to your surgeon.  But keep in mind the areolas do stretch a bit after a breast lift.  This is true if you opt for implants.  The final size will depend on 1) surgical technique  and 2) your skin quality and healing potential.    Best of luck.

	Dr. Basu

	Houston, TX

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