Surgery: Areola Reduction
Time required: 1-2 hours
Anaesthesia: Local
Length of Stay (In Hospital): None required
Follow up: 7-10 days after surgery

Pre Operative Assessment

Areola Reduction

The areola can appear too large for the breast, due to normal or abnormal development. Many women feature areolae which take up a sizeable portion of the frontal breast surface. If a woman gives birth, the areola can enlarge and darken. This is especially true if the woman breastfeeds for a significant time frame. Weight gain can increase breast size, which will also often cause the areola to expand. If the woman loses this weight at some point in the future, she may be left with smaller breasts but continue to have enlarged areolae. If a woman is happy with her appearance, there is no sense in changing the size or appearance of her areolae. However, if she is dissatisfied with the way her breasts appear, then she might be a good candidate for areola surgery to balance out her breast proportions.

Areola Reduction Surgery

The procedure used to reduce the size of the areola is usually a modified mastopexy procedure. In fact, a lift is often integrated into the procedure, since the incisions are very much the same. This type of procedure is called a Benelli lift, Donut mastopexy, modified mastopexy or periareola lift. In essence, a symmetrical circle of areola skin is excised and the breast is sutured to produce a smaller areola and a slight lift effect. Occasionally, the skin is removed at the very base of the nipple rather than the outer circumference of the areola, depending on the particular physical characteristics of the patient.

Recommendation on an Areola Reduction

The surgical procedure is rather simple and not too expensive. There are a few inherent risks involved in this procedure including loss of sensitivity in the areola or nipple and reduced ability or inability to breastfeed. Of course, general plastic surgery risks also apply. Results are generally excellent and the incidence of complications is low if the surgeon is careful, experienced and well trained. Make sure to discuss all possible risks with your doctor prior to surgery. Remember, the only reason for this procedure is to improve the way you see your own body. If your large areolae truly bother you and your vision of perfect breasts include more proportionate areolae, then you might have found your answer. Talk to your doctor about how areola or nipple surgery can help you to achieve the breasts you have only dreamed about.

You will be asked to stop smoking well in advance of surgery including Aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs which can cause increased bleeding.

If you are planning to lose a significant amount of weight, be sure to tell your plastic surgeon. He or she may recommend that you stabilize your weight prior to undergoing surgery.

Pregnancy can alter breast size in an unpredictable way and could affect the long-term results of your breast surgery. Consultation will be arranged to discuss your medical history. You will be asked to provide completed information about this.

Your plastic surgeon will examine your breasts and take photographs for your medical records.

Please avoid food and drink 6-8 hours prior to the operation.

How can I find out more?
For further information
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or call us Toll Free
New Zealand 0800-7-88-66-33
Australia 1-800-606-284

Please note: this should be used only as a guide to your treatment. All specifics will be discussed with your surgeon at the consultation.

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