Areolar Reduction Surgery
Just like breasts, areolas (the colored skin around each of your nipples) range in appearance from person to person or even breast to breast in the same person. They can vary widely in size, shape, and color. And while it’s not uncommon for them to be very large, “puffy,” or different sizes, this can often create insecurity for many individuals. Sometimes the areolas can be asymmetrically located on each breast as well.
Dr. Robert Cohen sees many patients at his Beverly Hills plastic surgery office to perform an areola reduction or adjustment procedure for patients who dislike their appearance, size, or location.
If you’re interested in this surgery, Dr. Cohen would be very happy to speak with you and answer any questions you may have. Request a consultation or call to schedule an appointment.
Beverly Hills Areola Reduction Surgery
Oversized areolas can be a result of genetics, pregnancy, weight loss/gain, or aging. Dr. Cohen’s Beverly Hills areola reduction surgery can improve the appearance of the areolas by reducing the diameter of one or both of them. Sometimes the areolar issues are due to tuberous breasts—please refer to that section for more details.
Areolar adjustment can be done by itself, or it can be performed alongside other surgeries such as breast augmentation, breast lift, or breast reduction.
Under Dr. Cohen’s skilled hands, an areola reduction surgery can result in a more appealing look that is in balance with the rest of the breast.
Am I a candidate for Areola Reduction Surgery
The best candidates for areola reduction surgery are those who are healthy and realistic about their expectations for the procedure. These individuals could be those who:
- Have stretched areolas due to excessive weight loss
- Dislike their areolas after pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Have puffy or protruding areolas
- Have mismatched areolas
For females, areola reduction surgery should wait until their breasts are completely finished growing. This is usually by their late teens or their early 20s. Males who want areola reduction surgery may be able to have this procedure done at an earlier age than females.
Dr. Cohen will take the time to speak with you about your medical history and personal goals in order to evaluate if you are a good candidate for areola reduction surgery.
Can males have areola reduction surgery?
Yes. As mentioned above, males can have an areola reduction procedure even earlier than women.
More and more men are choosing to undergo areola reduction surgery in order to achieve a more masculine appearance. Just as with females, males can have areola reduction surgery alone, or it can be combined with another procedure such as a gynecomastia correction (male breast reduction).
Surgical Details about Areola Reduction
Areola reduction surgery is a relatively straightforward procedure when performed by an experienced plastic surgeon. Dr. Cohen will make incisions in two concentric circles within and outside the edges of the areola. He will then remove the donut-shaped surface layer of excess skin (and some of the underlying breast tissue when necessary in male patients), being very careful to leave the blood supply to the nipple intact.
The incision will be closed with under-the-skin layers of suture around the areola. These are “pulled in” to tighten the skin around the areola, which reduces its size and prevents it from stretching.
The scar is hidden around the edge of the areola, and typically fades over time.
Recovery from Areola Reduction Surgery
Fortunately, recovery from areola reduction surgery is fairly quick, and (if performed by itself) it can be done under local anesthesia. Although there may be some swelling and bruising, patients can typically go back to work or school in 1-2 days.
Dr. Cohen will provide you with detailed guidance regarding aftercare, so your recovery process will go as smoothly as possible, and our staff will also be available to answer questions anytime.
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ExploreResults and What to Expect
With areola reduction surgery, results potentially last a lifetime. You will be able to see the outcome as soon as the dressings have been taken off, however, it may take several months before the breast tissue settles and the final results are visible.