Can Montgomery glands (bumpy areolas) be removed during breast lift surgery? (photo)

Montgomery's tubercles are modified sebaceous glands that serve to lubricate and keep the nipples soft and supple. All women have them, but  in some they are more visible than in others, and they usually change with pregnancy. All, however, are normal and not at all unattractive to men or babies (and only the former care)! You could have one or two large ones removed, but scars would remain. Sort of like trying to remove all the chocolate chips from chocolate chip cookies--they just wouldn't be the same at all! You will already have plenty of scarring from your breast lift--don't ask for more with this request. Please. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Thank you for yur question and sharing your photo. Yes, you can have them removed. However, it is likely that scarring will occur. Best of luck!Dhaval M. Patel Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Hoffman Estates Barrington Oakbrook Chicago 

Thanks for your inquiry, should and could are two different things.  I am sure they could be removed, but I not sure 1) you would like the scars, 2) that some new ones may not reform 3)  the glands do have a role in keeping the areola and nipple supple and may play a role in stimulating a newborn's desire to latch to the breast though of course I do not know if you plan to have more children or would breast feed.  Good Luck.

Yes the outer row of tubercles  can be removed as part of the areolar reduction ,which is part of the breast reduction.

These are normal appendages on the areola. Trying to remove some of the larger ones will leave scars.

Montgomery glands are raised glandular areas around the areola that make oily secretions.  Some people have glands that are more raised than others.  I would not recommend removal at the same time as breast lift or reduction when an incision is made circumferentially around the areola.  Making numerous small incisions at the same time could threaten the blood supply to the areola.  This can be done under local at another time and is not a complicated operation.

Dear Purduegrad,Montgomery glands are normal, natural, protective and attractive to babies and men alike.  Why would you remove them?

These little bumps on areolas are quite common but I often have patients I quite about their removal. On rare cases I will excise one or two that are excessively large, but the vast majority of the time it's best to just leave them alone. Best to see a plastic surgeon to evaluate first, because you want to make sure it's not something else that should be taken care of. Hope this helps.

These glands serve a protective purpose for the alreola so removal is not typically done. Also, the scars after removal may look worse.