Overview

Some women may be displeased with the size of their areola, which may be enlarged due to genetic predisposition, previously having large breasts followed by tissue loss or stretching of the areola due to implants or other reasons. Areola reduction surgery is designed to remove excess areola tissue to improve the overall cosmetic appearance. The reduction may result in a slight lift and can produce slight irregularities at the incision line if the reduction is significant.

Procedure

Areola reduction surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia and light sedation. The procedure typically involves:
  • Incisions: An incision is made around the edge of the areola and a smaller incision within, removing the excess tissue in between, resembling a donut shape.
  • Tissue Removal: Excess areola tissue is removed, leaving a pedicle. Internal purse-string sutures help keep the areola and scar from stretching.
  • Suturing: The incision is sutured, resulting in a scar around the areola, which may have raised tissue that may or may not flatten over time.
This procedure can be combined with other cosmetic surgical procedures and usually takes about two hours.

After Surgery

  • Post-Surgery Care: Patients can go home after several hours. Dressings and a light gauze bandage are worn for several days.
  • Showering: You can shower the next day.
  • Pain and Swelling: Minimal pain is expected, mostly gone by the second or third day, and easily controlled by medications. Minimal or no swelling and bruising are usual.
  • Stitches and Activity: Stitches are removed after seven days. Most activities can be resumed within the first week, and patients can typically return to work in two days or less.

Results

  • Appearance: The scar from the areola reduction may have raised tissue around the areola, which may flatten over time. If a larger donut of skin is removed from the flesh-colored area, the result is often called a peri-areolar reduction mastopexy (or Benelli Lift with reduction).
  • Incision and Healing: The incision is very inconspicuous, located around the final edge of the areola. Some puckering around the incisions may occur, and significant volume removal may be contraindicated with the peri-areolar incision.
Disclaimer: Results may vary from person to person.

We provide quality care that treats everyone.

Book an Appointment
Book appointment image
Book an Appointment