Areola Reduction

With advances in cosmetic surgery and the increased acceptance of plastic surgery, women are able to beautifully correct for specific areas of dissatisfaction on their breasts. Areola reduction surgery is gaining popularity in the field of breast cosmetic plastic surgery. This procedure is intended to reduce the size of the areola for women who perceive themselves as having a large areola, one that is disproportionate to their breast. By reducing the size of the areola and improving the shape, women are left with an improved self-image and greater self-confidence.

To learn about areola reduction surgery, please read the guide below or contact Ennis Plastic Surgery at 561-405-9020 to book a consultation or ask us a question. We are here to help you get the look you desire.

Areola Reduction Procedure Diagram

Areola Development and Size

During puberty, the areola is one of the first anatomical structures to change, darkening in color and increasing in diameter. Throughout a woman’s life, the areola continues to change. During pregnancy, the areola enlarges and darkens. The shape may also change to one that appears more oval, especially if the woman breastfeeds. Weight changes can increase breast size, which will cause expansion of the areola. If a woman loses weight, the breast size may decrease, but the enlarged areola can remain.

There is a great variety in the size, shape and color of areolas amongst women. There is no “right” size or appearance for an areola, so it is important that women realize there is nothing wrong with a larger areola. The problem arises when the size of the areola is negatively impacting a woman’s self-esteem. For women who seek reduction surgery, the areola can seem too large for the breast, taking up a sizeable portion of the breast itself.

A disproportionately large areola has no physical effects on the body. However, if the areola leaves a woman feeling self-conscious then there can be negative emotional effects. If a women is dissatisfied with the appearance of her breast, then she may be an excellent candidate for an areola reduction surgery. The goal of this procedure will be to improve the proportion of her areola on the breast, giving an aesthetically pleasing shape and size.

Areola Reduction Procedure

The procedure for an areola reduction is very close to the procedure used during a mastopexy, which is a breast lift. Oftentimes, women elect to have a breast lift in conjunction with the areola reduction, as the incision lines are almost the same. During the areola reduction, the surgeon creates a symmetrical circle around the areola skin. The surgeon removes the appropriate amount of areola skin to achieve the desired size.

Once the excess areola skin is removed, then the breast is sutured closed. This produces a smaller areola and slightly lifts the breast. Less often, the surgeon chooses to remove the skin at the base of the nipple (instead of the outer circumference of the areola), depending on the physical presentation and anatomy of the patient.

What to Expect with Areola Reduction

All areola reduction procedures begin with an individualized consultation with one of our renowned and respected breast surgeons. During the consultation the patient has an opportunity to discuss the concerns and ultimate goals of surgery. The surgeon will physically examine the breasts and determine if the procedure is appropriate to reach the desired outcomes.

The patient will have an opportunity to ask questions and fully understand the treatment plan of care. The reason to undergo this procedure is for a patient to improve the way she sees her body. This can be an excellent option to achieve the type of breasts a woman has always dreamed.

During the procedure, the patient is given anesthesia to ensure safety and comfort. The entire surgery takes approximately one hour to complete. After the incisions are closed with stitches, the breasts are dressed with gauze to protect the healing structures. The breasts may be wrapped in a surgical bra to ensure proper healing. Risks of this surgery include loss of sensation or sensitivity to the areola or nipple. Additionally, this may impact a woman’s ability to breastfeed.

Areola Reduction Recovery

Most patients are able to return to work within a few days following surgery. Strenuous activity should be avoided for 2-3 weeks, as to avoid disrupting the healing process.

The Ennis Plastic Surgery Difference

At Ennis Plastic Surgery we pride ourselves in professional, caring, and patient-centered cosmetic medicine. We understand that it may be embarrassing to talk about and seek treatment for an area of the body in which you may feel dissatisfied, such as large areola.

Rest assured that our cosmetic surgeons do everything in their power to make each patient feel respected and at ease during the consultation and evaluation experience. The highest quality patient care starts with professional respect and continues through exemplary surgery.

About Areola Reduction Surgeon, Dr. Ennis.

Dr Ennis, specializes in breast surgery and is known for his skillful and artful work in areola reduction surgery, creating beautifully natural results with minimal scarring.

For more information regarding the education and experience of Dr. Ennis, please view his biography page.

If you are dissatisfied with the appearance of your breasts, due to large areola or nipples, please contact Ennis Plastic Surgery to set up an individualized consultation. You may be pleased to find out that a relatively simple areola reduction surgery can give you the naturally beautiful breasts you desire.