What's really the difference between Areola Reduction and Donut Mastopexy?

Excellent question. There is absolutely no difference between the two procedures except the shape of the skin that is removed. An areola reduction is simple a periareolar lift where elevating the nipple is not one of the goals. It would have a more circular “donut” shaped piece of skin/areola removed whereas a lift would be more egg-shaped. Hope that helps! 

The areolae can be reduced with a donut lift, but there will be little benefit in the form of a lift.  In addition, the donut lifts may have the tendency to put you at risk for widening areolae.

An areola reduction is just that, it reduces the size of the areola. A donut mastopexy uses the same incision but also includes a minor breast lift, patient selection for this procedure is important. Consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to learn what options are available to you. Good luck.

A donut mastopexy involved reducing the areola and lifting the breasts using only a scar around the areola.  This may be okay in selected cases.  If you need a lift as well the scars are more involved but also reduced the areola.  Photos would be a great help in determining what procedure would be best for you.

Thanks for your question. A donut mastopexy, also called a Benelli mastopexy, purse string mastopexy or periolar mastopexy removes a circle of skin around the areola. The circular defect is closed like pulling a purse string around the areola. The same technique is used to reduce an areola by removing a circle of areolar skin rather than the skin outside the areola. Whether used as a lift or areolar reduction this technique has a limited tightening capacity. It creates a radial tension around the remaining areola so in many cases there is stretching of the areola or widening of the scars-- especially when used to remove too much tissue which is why I use this lift sparingly.For patients that require a full mastopexy or a lollipop there is less tension on the areola and there tends to be less stretching. Based on your evaluation your PS will help to guide you.Best wishes.

Dear XXxxr,
donut mastopexy can be used in case of less severe breast ptosis in order to lift them and it will also reduce the areolas. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD

Areola reduction and donut mastopexy are both surgical procedures performed on the breasts, but they serve different purposes and involve different techniques.
1. Areola Reduction:
• Areola reduction, also known as areola reduction surgery or areola reduction mastopexy, focuses specifically on reducing the size of the areola—the pigmented area surrounding the nipple.
• This procedure is commonly performed to address enlarged or stretched areolas, which may occur due to factors such as genetics, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, or aging.
• During areola reduction surgery, the plastic surgeon makes incisions around the outer edge of the areola and removes excess tissue, skin, and pigment. The remaining tissue is then carefully sutured to reshape and reduce the size of the areola while maintaining a natural appearance.
• Areola reduction surgery is often performed as a standalone procedure or in conjunction with other breast surgeries such as breast augmentation, breast reduction, or breast lift (mastopexy) to achieve desired aesthetic results.
2. Donut Mastopexy:
• Donut mastopexy, also referred to as periareolar mastopexy or circumareolar mastopexy, is a type of breast lift surgery designed to lift and reshape the breasts, particularly when mild to moderate ptosis (sagging) is present, and the nipples and areolas need to be repositioned.
• Unlike traditional breast lift techniques that involve longer incisions, donut mastopexy utilizes a circular incision around the outer edge of the areola, hence the term "donut." This incision allows the plastic surgeon to remove excess skin and tighten the breast tissue, lifting the breasts and repositioning the nipples to a higher, more youthful position.
• Donut mastopexy is typically recommended for patients with mild breast ptosis and minimal excess skin, as it provides moderate lift and reshaping with less scarring compared to more extensive breast lift techniques.
• While donut mastopexy can improve breast shape and position, it may not be suitable for individuals with significant breast ptosis or excess skin, in which case other mastopexy techniques such as lollipop (vertical) or anchor (inverted-T) mastopexy may be more appropriate.
In summary, areola reduction surgery specifically targets the size and appearance of the areola, while donut mastopexy is a breast lift technique that focuses on lifting and reshaping the breasts, with the additional benefit of repositioning the nipples and areolas. Both procedures can be valuable options for individuals seeking aesthetic enhancement of the breasts, and the choice between them depends on the patient's unique anatomical characteristics and aesthetic goals, as well as the recommendations of their plastic surgeon.

There is no major difference between an areola reduction and a donut lift when it comes to the procedure. In a donut breast lift, a circular incision is made around the areola to reshaped and lift the breast tissues. This technique can also be used to reduce the overall size of the areolas.

Rather than concentrating on the nomenclature I would sit with a PS and look at his/her preop and postop images in pts similar to you so that you can make an informed decision to proceed. 

Areolar reduction does precisely that. It does not lift the breasts.  A donut mastopexy begins with the same incision but has the additional goal of lifting.  This technique is suitable for modest lifts but will not be as beneficial if the degree of ptosis is severe.