Areola Reduction Information

Some women may be unhappy with the size of their areolae, which may be enlarged due to genetic predisposition, previously having had large breasts then undergoing tissue loss, stretching of the areola due to implants or other reasons. The typical patient for areola reduction surgery desires a small diameter and rounder, more proportioned areola size, as well as a reduction and flattening of the puffy or bulging areolae.

Areola reduction is a breast surgery technique that is designed to remove the redundant areola tissue to improve the overall cosmetic appearance of enlarged areolae. The reduction may result in a slight lift and may also produce slight irregularities at the incision line if the reduction was significant.

The Areola Reduction Procedure

The areola reduction procedure takes about two hours and is usually done under light general anesthesia. It involves two incisions around the areolar edge with removal of the excess tissue in between, like a doughnut. The incision is very inconspicuous and located around the final edge of the areolae.

Dressings and a light gauze bandage are worn for several days postsurgically. Areola reduction can be combined with other breast surgery procedures, including a breast lift.

The Recovery

Patients can generally go home several hours after the areola reduction procedure. You are allowed to shower the next day. There is only minimal pain that is mostly gone by the second or third day and easily controlled by medications. Minimal or no swelling and bruising is usual. You can resume most activities in less than a week. The stitches are removed after seven days. Expect to be off from work for two days or less.

The Result

Areola reduction surgery produces a balanced and proportioned contour, size and shape of the nipples and areolae that is permanent. The natural and presentable appearance starts in the first week and gets better over the next 3 to 6 months.