What can I do to improve the shape and size of my areola? (Photos)

Question

I’m 18 years old and have been self conscious of my breasts for as long as I can remember. I’m a 32C and the actual size of them doesn’t bother me much. My insecurities lay much more with the size/shape of my areola. I feel restricted with what I want to wear because of this, and my confidence around my sexual partners is greatly affected. Is there a hormonal issue that could be contributing to this (I’m vegan so I consume a lot of phytoestrogens from soy) or can it only be fixed with surgery?

Amir Nakhdjevani, MBBS, MRCS, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Thank you for your question and sorry that you are feeling so self conscious. Could you be a bit more specific as to what your concerns are as on looking at the pictures, I am not seeing a size discrepancy with respect to the ration of areola skin to breast skin.In terms of an unbiased view of your breasts on initially viewing, they seem perfectly in proportion with the areola size in proportion to the rest of the breast. It does appear that they might have a pushed out appearance from one of the photographs and this might just be the angle that the photo was taken from. If this is the case, then it might be that there is a small degree of herniation o fthe underlying breast tissue through the areola. This can be addressed with a small operation under local anaesthetic. The extent of this does not seem too great based on your photographs but would need a formal examination to ascertain this and assess the breasts properly. It does not look like you have tuberous breasts as such, which generally give the herniation into the areola, but it might be a mild degree of herniation. I would suggest seeing a surgeon to assess the area and this will give you a much better answer as photogrpahs can sometimes not show exactly what you are referring to.I hope this helps

Rohit Seth, MD, MRCS(Ed), PhD · Answer

Thanks for the question and the photographs.Is it the very slight puffiness that is evident in the third photograph that is the concern to you? The overall size and shape of the areola are in proportion to your breast size - if you would like them smaller, then this can be done as can addressing the puffiness of the areola.This procedure would be done under local anaesthetic and generally takes about 40 - 50 minutes to carry out. You can go home the same day. I hope this is of help to youBW

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  Perhaps you can address that portion of your areola that is of greatest concern as they appear very normal and appropriate in appearance and size.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

I do not see anything abnormal with your nipple/areolas. It looks perfectly normal to me? If there is small herniation/protrusion of gland tissue underneath your left areola that bothers you it may be fixed with simple surgery. In person evaluation would help. Good luck.

Justin West, MD · Answer

Hi and thank you for the question. From the photos you provided I think your areola diameter and shape are both very normal. One one of the views there is a subtle projection to the areolas. Given how subtle it is I think it's going to be difficult for doctors in an online forum to help advise you on. My suggestion would be to see a board certified plastic surgeon near you with a good reputation for cosmetic breast work. That will allow you to show the surgeon in person what your concerns are, and learn about options that might help. Best of luck.
Dr West

What can I do to improve the shape and size of my areola? (Photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Normal areolas?

Answer: Normal areolas?

Answer: Changing areola size and shape

Answer: Changing areola size and shape

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Nipple Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

What can I do to improve the shape and size of my areola? (Photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Normal areolas?

Answer: Normal areolas?

Answer: Changing areola size and shape

Answer: Changing areola size and shape

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Nipple Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.