Can I maintain my areola size after a lift?

Question

Everyone seems to be asking if they can make their nipples smaller and they usually seem to look smaller in the after photos. I would be sad for mine to be any smaller. Can I keep my nipples? Thanks!

Mathew A. Plant, MD, FRCSC · Answer

The size of the areola can be measured out to exactly what you would like. They do need to be made slightly smaller however (about 1 mm) because of the breast lift procedure itself. Make sure to let your surgeon know you want to keep them the same size during your consultation. Best of luck!

Sepehr Egrari, MD, FACS · Answer

One of the features that we have total control over is the size of areola. Sometimes they get stretched out and they need to be made smaller. But occasionally they are perfect and we leave the size alone. It all depends. In general areolas should be about 40 mm or so in diameter. This differs with size and height of patient. I agree that too small of an areola is alien.

Austin Hayes, MD · Answer

It depends on your anatomy (current areolar size) and the type of lift that is required. Speak with your surgeon about your goals so that they can explain all of your options.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

A breast lift requires an incision around the areola. Although in most cases, it is reduced, the desired areolar size can be made smaller or left the same size. Be sure that you convey your preference to your plastic surgeon.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for this interesting and somewhat challenging question. Since most nipple areolar complexes are not perfect circles and since almost all plastic surgeons use circular cookie cutters of various diameters to determine the new nipple areolar complex size, it is unlikely that you will maintain the absolute size of your old nipple areola complex in the creation of a lifted breast. Also, in the process of lifting a breast, the nipple areolar complex may have excessive pigmented skin which must be removed to allow standard lift patterns to work successfully.All that being said, your request is not an unreasonable one and I highly recommend you get in person consultations with at least three Board Certified plastic surgeons who show various lift patterns with great results on their websites.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

you must let your surgeon know, especially when marking you just before your procedure, that you prefer to keep the areola as is or just how large/small you want them to be and your surgery can be tailored so your goals are met.

Angeline Lim, MD · Answer

Many women request a reduction in the diameter of their areolae when they have a breast lift, but it is not a mandatory part of the procedure.  If you discuss this with your plastic surgeon, he/she should be able to easily modify the surgical markings and plan so that you can keep your nipples/areolae the size you want.Hope this helps, and best of luck,Dr. Lim

Michael F. Bohley, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. In both breast reduction and mastopexy (lift) the areolar diameter is usually reduced to a smaller more youthful appearance. However, if you make your wishes known to your surgeon, you can decide on a relative size that you want to attain. Best of luck.

W. Tracy Hankins, MD · Answer

I have on several occasions left the areolar large after breast lift as per the patient's desires, so the answer to your question is yes.

Scott W. Vann, MD, FACS · Answer

Most patients for a breast lift have very stretched out saggy skin and with it stretched out areolas. They are normally thrilled to have the areola smaller and perkier. Your surgeon should be able to maintain your areola size if you wish. Discuss with your surgeon.  Good luck.

Can I maintain my areola size after a lift?

Answers (14)

More Breast Lift Questions

Scar not healing well on one Breast after Breast lift? (Photos)

4 weeks post breast lift/augmentation. I have a pinhole around my nipple, leaking clear liquid. Is this normal?

How do I heal hole from attempted spit stitch removal? (Photo)

What are my options for revision to lower my nipples? I'm happy to compromise- the size -add a scar above each nipple (Photo)

Hard Lump on Breast Lift Incision Line - sore? (Photo)

Is it possible to do a breast reduction and lift without implants and still have fullness?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS