Areola
Reduction
Enhance the look of your areolas
Areola reduction may not be the first thing one thinks about when considering breast enhancement; however, for women and men struggling with the size or shape of their areolas, this unassuming surgical procedure can be just as rewarding.
Areola reduction is performed to resize and reshape stretched, elongated or overly large areolas. This surgery can help increase your confidence when topless and even allow you to wear bras and bathing suits that you may have previously avoided. And in an area like Miami, that is saying something!
PURE Plastic Surgery offers areola reduction for those interested in finessing all aspects of their breast appearance. Our specialists are here to help you realize the results you’ve always wanted. We offer a supportive and safe space where you can feel comfortable sharing your insecurities without judgment.
We can’t wait to meet you.
What is Areola Reduction?
The areola is the pigmented skin that surrounds the nipple. This area can become enlarged following weight fluctuations, pregnancy or breastfeeding. Their large size can also be the result of genetics.
While areolas come in all shapes, sizes and colors, they can cause some individuals to feel insecure and embarrassed. And, unfortunately, surgery is the only way to reduce their size and recontour their shape.
During this procedure, the diameter and circumference of one or both areolas are reduced. Areola reduction is a common combination procedure and is routinely performed in conjunction with other breast surgeries, such as breast lift surgery, breast reduction, breast augmentation and lift, gynecomastia surgery and breast revision.
Benefits of Areola Reduction
Women and men of all ages and backgrounds choose to undergo areola reduction for several reasons. Whatever may be the deciding factor, you can expect the following benefits:
- Increased confidence in and out of clothing
- A more proportionate areola size
- Better areola placement
- Symmetrical areolas
- Long-lasting results
- The ability to wear lower-cut bras, tops and bathing suits
- A quick recovery time
Am I a good candidate for Areola Reduction?
Areola reduction is ideal for women and men who are sensitive about the size or shape of their areolas. Ideal candidates for this procedure include those who:
- Are bothered by large, irregularly shaped and asymmetrical areolas
- Have fully developed breasts
- Are generally healthy and do not have any pre-existing health conditions that impair healing
- Are not pregnant or breastfeeding
- Are not planning on becoming pregnant anytime in the near future
- Maintain a stable weight
- Are realistic in their expectations
- Desire this surgery for themselves
During an initial consultation, our team will assess your needs and concerns to determine if areola reduction is right for you. Then, we’ll develop a personalized surgical plan to help you achieve your goals.
How is Areola Reduction performed?
Your areola reduction begins with a thorough consultation with one of our care coordinators or experienced plastic surgeons. During this initial meeting, we will thoroughly discuss what you hope for your results and determine how they can realistically be achieved with areola reduction surgery. Since many of our patients combine their areola reduction with other breast procedures, you may be given additional considerations to prepare for your operation.
Regardless, this is an outpatient surgery performed at our certified and fully equipped surgical facility in Miami, Florida. Areola reduction, alone or combined with another surgery, is typically performed under general anesthesia for your safety and comfort. To begin, your surgeon will make two concentric incisions around the areolas and remove a donut-shaped piece of tissue between them. A new areola form will be created and fixed into place with an internal suture.
If this is performed with another surgery, this will likely be the final step. When done as a standalone procedure, areola reduction takes less than an hour to perform.
How long is my Areola Reduction recovery?
Following your areola reduction, you will be moved to a recovery room and monitored until you are awake and ready to go home. Because this surgery is performed under general anesthesia, you are required to have a friend or family member present to drive you home and preferably stay with you for the first night.
When performed alone, areola reduction is a minimal procedure, and recovery is often quick and uneventful. You may experience some soreness, tightness, bruising and swelling. This is very common and will gradually diminish over the following days and weeks. Most patients can return to work and their usual activities within one to two days. Any pain you might experience can be alleviated with prescribed or over-the-counter medication. Icing the area is also helpful in controlling inflammation and discomfort.
While uncommon, side effects can occur. Be sure to be on the lookout for the following during your recovery:
- Fever
- Nausea
- Pain or redness
- Pus or drainage from the incision sites
- Incisions that are not healing
These may be the sign of a more serious complication and should be addressed quickly. If you have any questions during your recovery, please contact our team at PURE Plastic Surgery. Your physical and emotional comfort is vital to us, and it is better to ask whether something is normal upfront rather than waiting for it to resolve on its own.
What results can I expect from Areola Reduction?
You can see the results of your areola reduction almost immediately. While there will be some scarring, it will be hidden in the pigmented area and can easily be covered with bras and bathing suits. Your results are considered permanent, and most patients are thrilled with the appearance of their smaller and well-shaped areolas following their reduction surgery.