What Is Areola Reduction Surgery?
Like breasts, areolas come in a variety of shapes and sizes. And, like breasts, areolas can change shape and size over time, making them look stretched or too big. Factors such as weight gain and loss, pregnancy, hormone changes, and age can all affect the appearance of your areolas.
While it is normal to have larger areolas and for them to change shape and size over time, it may affect your confidence. Areola reduction removes a section of tissue from around the edge of the areola to allow patients to regain smaller, shapelier areolas.
What Can Areola Reduction Correct?
Large Areolas
Some women have naturally large areolas, whereas others may experience stretching and enlargement after weight loss, pregnancy, or breastfeeding. This procedure can help anyone who is unsatisfied with the size of their areolas.
Puffy Areolas
Puffy nipples can develop during hormonal changes; however, they can also be a sign of excess breast tissue pushing the areolas and nipples forward. Reducing some of the breast tissue can eliminate the raised appearance and restore a flatter nipple-areolar complex.
Color Abnormalities
The color of the areolas is typically a shade of brown or pink that is even across the areola. In some patients, however, there can be color irregularities or the presence of small bumps and nodules. Areola reduction can help restore a more normal areola appearance.
Asymmetrical Areolas
Asymmetrical areolas are another condition that can be congenital or developed later in life. Areola reduction can restore symmetry to uneven areolas by reducing the size of the larger areola and by reshaping one or both areolas for a more uniform circular appearance.
Am I a Candidate for Areola Reduction?
Good candidates for areola reduction are patients in overall good health and who do not smoke. Ideal candidates for areola reduction include those who:
- Struggle with the appearance of their areolas
- Feel self-conscious in intimate settings because of how their areolas look
- Have puffy or raised areolas
- Have wide or enlarged areolas
- Wish the size of their areolas were more symmetrical
How Can I Prepare for My Areola Reduction Surgery?
Once you’ve scheduled your areola reduction, Dr. Agullo will provide you with detailed instructions on how to prepare before and on the day of your surgery. This will help ensure a safe procedure and a smooth recovery. To best prepare for your procedure, you should:
- Stop smoking at least two weeks before your surgery to reduce the risk of infection, blood clots, stroke, and delayed wound healing.
- When advised by your physician, discontinue the use of blood thinners or any medication that may thin the blood.
- Avoid eating or drinking after midnight on the evening before your areola reduction.
- Refrain from using any lotions, creams, or scented bath products on your breasts or the surrounding areas.
- Be sure that you have your ID and paperwork.
- Wear a button-up, loose-fitting shirt so you do not have to stretch your arms over your head when getting dressed after your procedure.
What Are Your Concerns?
What Can I Expect From My Areola Reduction Recovery?
Areola reduction is a short and straightforward surgery; however, you will still be required to rest and relax for the first few days after the procedure. You will likely have some swelling and bruising, but these are expected side effects. Any discomfort is typically mild and can be remedied with over-the-counter pain medications like TYLENOL®. You should be able to return to work just a few days after your procedure.
For the first week or so following your areola reduction, you will need to refrain from any strenuous activity or exercise. However, Dr. Agullo encourages his patients to take short, leisurely walks to keep blood circulating properly, which both promotes healing and helps prevent blood clots.
You will see Dr. Agullo for a follow-up appointment one week after your surgery to ensure you are healing correctly. He will provide detailed recovery instructions to ensure you heal quickly and with no complications after your areola reduction.
When Will I See My Areola Reduction Results?
You will be able to see some results of your areola reduction surgery immediately after your procedure. Once the swelling and bruising subside, typically after a couple of weeks, your final results will be visible. Keep in mind that a small amount of residual swelling may persist for up to six months after the procedure, as well as temporary loss of sensation in the area.
