Breast Surgery and Areola Reduction

Serving San Francisco, San Jose, & Walnut Creek, California

While there are typically no physiological problems with having overly large areolae, many women may be self-conscious about them and want them reduced. Areola reduction procedures, often performed in conjunction with breast augmentation or breast reduction surgery, can help trim down the size of the areolae into a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Indications

There are no guides to indicate if an areola is too large. If one areola is larger than the other, it may be that the other is too small. The decision is usually based on a purely subjective observation about what the size of the areola, or areolae should be. In some cases, only one areola is overly large, allowing the other one to be used as a template.

Areola reduction performed in conjunction with breast augmentation or breast reconstruction is usually performed several weeks later to allow the breast to settle into its final position.

Procedures

Areola reduction consists primarily of excising excess tissue from around the areola. This must be performed symmetrically to ensure that the nipple stays centered on the breast. The breast surgeon must also take great care to ensure that the nerve endings and blood supply feeding the nipple are not damaged in any way.

During breast reconstruction after a mammaplasty, the nipple and areola areas are reconstructed purely for aesthetic reasons and are not usually responsive to any external or sexual stimulus. In breast reconstruction, anatomic symmetry is important. When one existing nipple is present, the surgeon is provided a natural template to use in guiding reconstruction. The size, color, and, position of the new areola and nipple must closely match the opposite breast.

During a bilateral reconstruction, the areola and nipple are carefully measured to appear in the middle and most natural area of the breast as possible. The measurements are based on set guidelines, but are subject to your aesthetic values whenever possible.

After breast surgery

The reconstructed nipple and areola should be supported post operatively. The area will be dressed with an antibiotic ointment and petroleum jelly dressing. In some cases, a maternal, plastic nipple shield or other protective device may be placed. The dressing should be changed regularly over the next couple of weeks. A normal, non-compressing bra should be worn.

To find out more information about areola reduction in the San Francisco area, please contact Breast Surgeon Dr. Weil's office to schedule an initial areola reduction consultation.