Areola Reduction And Breast Lift

Areola reduction and breast lift treatments are designed to help women who have had children or have lost weight, but they can also be used to correct other issues that cause the breasts to sag.

The areola is the darker skin surrounding the nipple, and it can get bigger after childbirth or weight loss. A breast lift can help to reduce this issue by lifting the skin and tightening it around the breast itself.

Breast implants can also be added as part of these procedures. They are usually inserted through a small incision on either side of the nipple, which allows them to sit underneath the skin instead of on top of it.

Breast lift and areola reduction procedures are really popular right now, but they’re not always easy to get right—and they’re not cheap. That’s why we’re here: to help you make the best decision for your body.

What You Should Know About Areola Reduction And Breast Lift

Your areolas are the pigmented areas surrounding your nipples. Like breasts, areolas vary widely in size, color, and shape. It’s perfectly normal to have large or differently sized areolas. If you’re uncomfortable with the size of your areolas, reduction is possible.

Areola reduction surgery is a relatively simple procedure that can reduce the diameter of one or both of your areolas. It can be performed on its own, or together with a breast lift, a breast reduction, or breast augmentation.

Who Can Get This Procedure?

Areola reduction is an option for any man or woman who is not happy with the size of their areolas. This procedure is particularly suitable for:

• Individuals Post-Weight Loss: Those who have lost a significant amount of weight and experienced stretched areolas.


• Post-Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Individuals whose areolas have changed after pregnancy or breastfeeding.


• Puffy or Protruding Areolas: Candidates who have puffy or protruding areolas may opt for this procedure.


• Asymmetrical Areolas: Some people may choose to reduce one areola to match the other.

For women, it is recommended that areola reduction surgery should not be performed until the breasts are completely done growing, typically by late teens or early 20s. Adolescent males may be able to have the procedure at an earlier age.

How Much Does It Cost?

The cost of areola reduction surgery varies based on several factors, including:

• Geographic Location: Prices may differ based on where the surgery is performed.


• Type of Procedure: If combined with a breast lift or reduction, the cost will be higher.

As a standalone procedure, areola reduction surgery can range from $2,000 to $5,000. Note that this is a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by insurance, so you will need to pay out-of-pocket. Some clinics offer payment plans to help manage costs.

How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon

Selecting the right surgeon is crucial for your areola reduction surgery:

• Board Certification: Look for a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.


• Experience: Ensure that the surgeon has at least six years of surgical training, including three years specializing in plastic surgery.


• Portfolio Examination: Request to see the surgeon’s portfolio to evaluate their previous work and ensure it aligns with your aesthetic goals.

How to Prepare

After selecting a surgeon, a consultation appointment will be scheduled. During this appointment, you can expect your doctor to:

• Examine your breasts.


• Listen to your aesthetic concerns.


• Discuss surgical options.


• Review your complete medical history, including current medications.

If cleared for surgery, your doctor will:

• Explain the procedure, including scarring expectations.


• Provide a date for the surgery along with specific preparation instructions, which may include:




• Avoiding certain medications (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen) for a week prior.


• Scheduling time off for surgery and recovery.


• Arranging transportation to and from the procedure.


• Fasting the day before if general anesthesia will be used.


• Showering with surgical soap on the day of surgery.


• Avoiding makeup and cosmetics on the day of surgery.


• Removing all body jewelry on the day of surgery.


• Wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing on the day of surgery.







What to Expect During the Procedure




Areola reduction surgery is a relatively straightforward process, typically lasting about one hour. Here is what you can expect:





• You will arrive at the surgical facility and change into a hospital gown.


• Your nurse will check your blood pressure and place an intravenous line.


• Medication will be administered to help you relax, and electrodes will be placed to monitor your heart rate.


• You will meet your surgeon to address any last-minute questions.


• Your anesthesiologist will provide either local or general anesthesia.





During the procedure:





• Your surgeon will excise a doughnut-shaped piece of tissue from your areola along its border to minimize visible scarring.


• Your new areola will be secured with a permanent suture to prevent stretching.


• Incision sites will be closed with removable or dissolvable stitches.


• Post-surgical bras or dressings may be applied.





If you received a local anesthetic, you may go home almost immediately; if you had general anesthesia, you will be monitored for a few hours before discharge.





Possible Risks and Complications




While areola reduction surgery is generally safe, like any surgical procedure, it carries some risks:





• Loss of Sensation: Although doctors aim to preserve sensation by leaving the nipple intact, temporary loss of sensation may occur during healing.


• Scarring: All surgical procedures will result in scarring, which may vary in visibility depending on individual healing and the surgeon’s technique.

What is areola reduction surgery?

Areola and nipple reduction procedures are performed on superficial tissue and are considered very safe. That said, all surgeries come with some degree of risk. These include infection, loss of sensation, scarring, and disruption to your breastfeeding ability.

Scarring and Aesthetic Considerations

• Scar around the outer edge of the areola


• Severity of scarring varies from nearly invisible to very noticeable


• Scars can be darker or lighter than surrounding skin


• Areola tattooing can improve scar appearance

Risks of Areola Reduction

• Inability to Breastfeed: Risk of milk duct damage


• Infection: Adhering to aftercare instructions can reduce risks

What to Expect During Recovery

• Quick recovery time: Generally, return to work in 1-2 days


• Common post-surgical symptoms:




• Swelling and bruising


• Increasing pain during the initial healing period




• Post-operative care recommendations:




• Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil)


• Wear a surgical bra or soft sports bra for several weeks


• Abstain from sex for the first week


• Avoid physical chest contact for 3-4 weeks


• Refrain from heavy lifting and strenuous cardio for a few weeks

Outlook After Surgery

• Initial swelling may obscure results for several weeks


• Areolas will appear smaller and more centered post-surgery


• Healing timeframe for scars can take up to one year


• Follow-up consultation scheduled 1-2 weeks post-surgery

Areola Reduction and Breast Lift Surgery

• What is It? A cosmetic procedure to reduce areola size and reshape breasts


• Candidates for Surgery:
  
  
  
  • Large, disproportionate, or puffy areolas
  
  
  • Good overall health
  
  
  • Understanding of surgery limitations and expectations
  
  
  
  

Types of Breast Lift Procedures

• Crescent Lift


• Donut Lift


• Lollipop Lift


• Anchor Lift

Alternatives to Areola Reduction and Breast Lift

• Botox injections into the breast


• Breform Bra


• Laser Therapy

What to Expect During the Consultation

• Full health examination and breast assessment


• Discussion of procedure details and patient concerns

Procedure Details

• Approximate two-hour surgery duration


• Anesthesia options: local or general


• Fine incision creation around the areola


• Reshaping breast tissue and reattaching smaller areola

Recovery Process

• Possible numbness, bruising, and swelling during recovery


• Avoid strenuous activities for at least two weeks


• Follow-up appointment within the first week for healing assessment


• Most women return to normal activities in about two weeks

How To Shrink Areola After Pregnancy

Areola reduction surgery can lower the diameter of one or both of your areolas during a reasonably straightforward day surgery procedure. A smaller and better-shaped areola is left behind when the excess pigmented skin is simply removed. If you’d like, you can also shorten your nipples.

Can You Breastfeed After Areola Reduction

Yes. Breastfeeding is safe and strongly advised for new mothers who have had breast or nipple surgery in the past. Every postpartum woman is capable of producing at least colostrum drops (first milk). Mothers are giving their babies antibodies at every feeding, even if they only receive a small amount of milk.