The average cost of areola reduction surgery is $3,484, but the cost can range up to $6,650, according to 60 reviews from RealSelf members.
The total typically includes:
Read on to find out why the cost of a large areola reduction procedure can vary so much—and whether it's worth the money.
Related: Everything You Need to Know About Areola Reduction
Most RealSelf members who have had areola reduction surgery think their results were worth the money: the procedure currently has a 86% Worth It rating.
Everyone has different expectations, and results vary. However, if you're self-conscious about asymmetry, or the shape and size of your areolas, you may find reduction surgery well worth your investment.
One way to help ensure that your results will be worth the money is to maintain a stable weight. Future weight changes (particularly significant weight gain) could stretch your breast tissue and increase the size of your areolas beyond what makes you feel comfortable. If your weight has recently fluctuated, you may want to wait at least six months to ensure that your weight is stable.
Areola reduction costs vary, depending on the following factors:
As with most plastic surgery procedures, one of the biggest factors in what areola reduction surgery costs is your surgeon’s level of experience and qualifications.
Board-certified plastic surgeons who have extensive training and experience performing areola reduction procedures will charge more than other kinds of physicians, including those who market themselves as cosmetic surgeons.
But that additional expense can be worth it: highly rated board-certified plastic surgeons can help ensure optimal results. While this procedure is considered very safe, possible risks include scars, a loss of sensation, and an inability to breastfeed (if the milk ducts are accidentally damaged). An experienced surgeon should know how to mitigate potential complications like this.
This procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, usually in a private surgery center (rather than a hospital). If your surgeon’s facility is located in a major city with a high cost of living and a high demand for their services, you can expect your areola reduction surgery cost to be on the higher end of the spectrum.
To save money on your areolar reduction without sacrificing quality, you may wish to research top-rated plastic surgeons in less competitive markets, such as nearby suburbs.
You may even consider traveling to a place like Miami, where cosmetic surgery prices tend to be more affordable. Just make sure you thoroughly research your surgeon and have a thorough video consultation, so they can ensure you're a good candidate.
Dr. Larry Nichter, a plastic surgeon in Newport Beach, California, says that the length and complexity of the surgery is a significant factor in areola reduction costs, including:
Combining surgical procedures drives up your total cost, but it can also save you money, compared to getting each procedure done individually: you'd pay less overall in surgeon's fees, facility fees, consultation fees, and possibly even anesthesia fees.
RealSelf Tip: One other cost-related factor to consider: recovery time can be as much as a week (depending on the complexity of your procedure), though some people recover even more quickly and can return to work within two days. During your consultation, ask your surgeon how much time you'll need to take off.
As with other cosmetic procedures, the cost of areola reduction surgery is not covered by insurance; you will have to pay for it out of pocket.
However, most plastic surgery practices offer monthly payment plans or flexible financing options, to help make the cost more affordable.