I'm 23 yrs old. With excessive weight gain my areola were stretched. Am I a Good Candidate for Areola Reduction? (photo)

Question

Hi there I am 23 years old, I have never liked the look of my breasts. With excessive weight gain after puberty my areolas were stretched. After some weight loss the areola size seemed to be accentuated with the smaller breast size. I am looking into having areola reduction. I do not want the excessive scarring that comes with a breast lift (like that of an anchor breast lift). Would an areola reduction help give my breast that little bit more of youthful appearance that I desire? Thanks

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Unfortunately the submitted photo did not go through.  If the breasts are sagging and the level of the nipple is below the breast fold then a breast lift is generally recommended.  An areola reduction performed when a lift is actually needed may give sub par results.  Visit with a board certified plastic surgeon near you to discuss your concerns and learn more about your options.

Ronald Schuster, MD · Answer

Leave your breasts alone. They are pretty. Unless you reduce (even just a little) to reshape your whole breast, I think you will end up having a stretched out areola and a very noticeable scar. Be careful.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about the concerns your areola size have caused. Based on the description of your goals and photographs, you will ultimately have to make a decision about what concerns you most: areola size or the presence of scars associated with areola reduction surgery.I would suggest that you seek consultation with well experienced board-certified plastic surgeons who can demonstrate significant experience achieving the types of outcomes you will be pleased with. Make sure you educate yourself about the potential downsides associated with areolar reduction surgery including the potential for spreading of the areola, abnormal scarring, areola asymmetry, and re-spreading of the areola.I hope this, and the attached link, helps.

Robert A. Hardesty, MD, FACS · Answer

Based on your single photo you are a good candidate for areolar reduction if you are willing to accept a scar around the new sized areolae.

	the technique involves selecting the size areolae you desire, resecting the unwanted areolar issue, placement of a internal permanent suture that will help maintain the desired areolar size. I often perform this procedure using just local numbing medicine in my office. The scar is usually quite acceptable.

	I suggest you make several appointments with board certified plastic surgeons. Then proceed

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

You do not fully understand areolae reduction surgery. There will be scars!!! Best to seek IN PERSON consults to understand this concept of incisions around the areolae causing a scar.

I'm 23 yrs old. With excessive weight gain my areola were stretched. Am I a Good Candidate for Areola Reduction? (photo)

Answers (6)