Nipple And Areola Reduction
The pigmented areas that surround your nipples are called areolas. Similar to breasts, areolas may also differ in shape, color, and size. Large or differently-sized areolas are quite normal but if you feel uncomfortable with them, you can consider an areola reduction cosmetic surgery.
Areola reduction surgery is a technique to decrease the diameter of either one or both areolas. It may be performed as a standalone procedure, or in combination with other procedures such as a breast reduction or augmentation or a breast lift.
Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim provides nipple and areola reduction surgery to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and surrounding communities.
Who should undergo this procedure?
Areola reduction may be a choice for men and women who are unhappy with their areola size. Areolas sometimes change in size following breast feeding or pregnancy. Weight loss too can cause them to stretch. Areola reduction is a good option in all such cases.
Some persons have asymmetric areolas by birth; others have areolas that protrude or appear puffed up. These people are also good candidates for the procedure.
Surgical procedure
Areola reduction surgery is a simple procedure that can be performed in an hour’s time at a nearby hospital or your doctor’s clinic.
What happens during this procedure?
- First, the surgeon makes a circular incision along the existing areola border so that the scar will not be visible.
- This removes a doughnut-sized amount of tissue from the areola.
- A permanent suture is made deep within the breast to secure the areola and make sure it doesn’t stretch later.
- Using dissolvable or removable stitches, the doctor closes the site where the incision was made.
- The doctor may apply a surgical dressing or fit you with a postsurgical bra designed for the purpose.
If the procedure has been performed under local anesthesia, you can go home very soon after the surgery. However, if your doctor uses general anesthesia, they will keep you under observation for a few hours before sending you home.
Post-op recovery
People recover from areola reduction surgery quite quickly. Even if there is some slight bruising or swelling in the area, you will be able to get back to work in a day or two. You may feel some pain during the initial postsurgical period. Over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen can help reduce this. They also advise the use of a soft sports bra or a surgical bra for some weeks following the surgery.
Immediate and long term results
Initially, you may not notice the difference because of the bruising and swelling around the areola. However, this clears up after a few weeks and then, your breasts will move into their final position. Now, the areolas will appear more centered and smaller than before. You may observe the new areola ringed by a scar which will heal completely in about a year.
Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and nearby areas for nipple and areola reduction surgery.
Contact the Office of Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim
Click here see more plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Eugene Kim on patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, CA and surrounding areas or call 310-271-6996 to schedule a consultation.
