Areola reduction? 2 lifts with both spitting stitches, now have stretched areola & wide scars, advice?

Question

I went to a PMU to do a scar camouflage on lift scars, she promised the world but she ruined my body. My mental health is suffering.Laser oxidized in a test spot due to titanium dioxide. I've had 2 plastic surgeons suggest an areola reduction/a purse string and external stitches to prevent spitting. I'm seeing mixed reviews on areola reduction & i have heavy breast. I should mention I will be having kids soon but having a hard time living with this ink. Please help.

Gianfranco Frojo, MD · Answer

I would recommend an inverted T (anchor type) scar pattern breast lift on both sides. This will permit reduction of the breast in the vertical and horizontal dimensions. This will also permit reduction of the areola size.  I recommend finding a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Ideally, one with experience in facial aesthetic surgery.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Ddrr123,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. It is probably better to wait until you have kids, as pregnancy and breastfeeding can significantly influence the shape and size of your breasts and areolas. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

From the photo, your two prior lifts appear to have been circumareolar in nature. This would explain the persistently larger areola, wide scars with spitting stitches, and a vain attempt at concealment by a tattoo artist. The two plastic surgeons who recommended another circumareolar reduction sound a lot like the surgeon that did this to you. You have never been, and will never be a good candidate for a circumareolar lift (areolar reduction). You need to see a real breast surgery expert. That person would tell you that you need a formal breast lift and asymmetric reduction to get what you want: beautiful breasts with fine scars that you can be confident with. If your Realself location is correct and you live in White Plains, NY, then you have access to excellent surgeons in nearby NYC.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

You had a donut type lift that often turns out this way. In order to reduce the areola you would need a full lift which is designed to reduce the area.  This may need to be done in stages

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You needed the vertical lift instead of just around the areolae.  With the vertical lift, the stress is applied more to the vertical scar and less on the areola, and the breast can be lifted and supported better internally to decrease stress on the areolae.  The areolar lift cannot do all of this and so that area stretches.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

If you are intending to become pregnant it is best to wait until you have completed your family and are finished breastfeeding before considering further surgery on the breasts.  You may find if you proceed now that you will be left needing more surgery when you are finished having children.

David M. Creech, MD · Answer

You need a physical exam to determine the areola reduction method that can be used.  If you plan pregnancies you should consider waiting.  The postpartum breast engorgement usually causes the breast expand and therefore widen the areola.  After you are done with breast feeding the breast will shrink and that will allow a better chance to reduce the areola during a breast lift.  The circular (doughnut) mastopexy, in my experience, depending on how much lift you may need tends to widen again.  I prefer the vertical or the (anchor) inverted "T" mastopexy.  These two procedures typically can control undesirable areola expansion.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

You need a proper breast lift with a reduction on one side.
You need the full scar in order to stabilize the tension on the areolaMeasures will leave you coming back for revision and second attempts.
Either do it right or live with your current
The purse string is not going to work for you.
It’s too much and your scar will widen.
Ask providers to show you before and after pictures of previous patients who had the procedure they recommending with long-term follow up pictures.
I suggest you focus your efforts on finding the most experienced plastic surgeon and follow their recommendations.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

Areola reduction? 2 lifts with both spitting stitches, now have stretched areola & wide scars, advice?

Answers (8)

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