What is areola reduction?
Areola reduction is a surgical procedure to reduce the diameter of the areola, the darker brown or pinker skin surrounding the nipple in the centre of the breast. This skin can stretch up during pregnancy or breast feeding, or weight gain, but can stay large even though the breast volume may reduce after pregnancy or weight loss.
There are several techniques used for areola reduction surgery, the most simplistic being the doughnut, or periareolar technique, where two circular incisions are made. One is around the areola, and the other is further in, where the new outer edge of the areola will be. The skin in between the two incisions is then removed and the surrounding skin is bought inwards and held in its new smaller diameter to create the new areola shape. This technique requires special long lasting sutures placed in a particular “pinwheel” pattern; on it own there is a risk this will flatten the breast.
A better approach is to combine areola reduction along with some form of breast augmentation, breast reduction or mastopexy (breast lift), the most limited version of which would be described as a circumvertical mastopexy, resulting in a lollipop scar.
In these cases the incision wraps around the areola and extends vertically down the front of the breast towards the fold under the breast. In more extensive cases, a horizontal scar in the fold under the breast may also be required. This is something you can discuss with Sinclair Gore as to what technique is most suitable for you. In both cases, the aim is to remove excess breast skin which includes creating a smaller areola and a better breast shape.
Areola reduction surgery is usually carried out alongside other procedures to give you a redefined breast shape and size. Sinclair Gore can help you create a bespoke treatment plan that will achieve your aesthetic goals and improve your self-confidence.
For areola reductions that involve restoring areola shape back towards a circle, the crescent technique can be used to remove a half-moon shaped piece of skin from the top or bottom of the areola to reduce its size without making a continuous incision around the nipple.
Time in theatre
1-1.5 hours
Hospital Stay
Day case or overnight
Recovery Time
2 weeks
Final Results
1 month+
Other Names
Areola resizing, areola reshaping.
Why choose Sinclair Gore for areola reduction surgery?
When you’re considering areola reduction or any type of breast surgery, you need to make sure you find the right surgeon.
Areola reduction alone won’t make a huge difference to your breasts, but with the support of an experienced surgeon like Sinclair Gore, you can create the ideal treatment plan that meets your aesthetic goals.
What Mr Gore’s patients have to say…
FAQ
Areola Reduction FAQs
What Is The Point In The Areola?
The areola might look like just a piece of brown pigmented skin surrounding the nipple, but its purpose is to act as a target for babies to see and latch onto during breast feeding. Additionally, the areola has embedded Montgomery glands, which secrete oils that lubricate the skin to prevent chafing of the nipples. Additionally, the areola contains highly sensitive nerve endings that trigger milk release when required. As such, the areola is an important part of the breast.
How Painful Is Areola Reduction Surgery?
Areola reduction surgery is not considered particularly painful, and when performed alone the surgery can be carried out under local anaesthetic. When included as part of a breast augmentation or breast uplift, the procedure will be done under general anaesthesia. In most cases, you will feel some soreness following the procedure, but this can be alleviated with over-the-counter pain medication and does not usually last for more than a few days.
Why Do Patients Choose Areola Reduction?
Many patients feel self conscious about the size of their areola, or notice asymmetry in their nipple shape and size, particularly after breast feeding or significant weight gain or loss. Most commonly, areola reduction is used in conjunction with breast augmentation or a breast lift to reshape and resize the breasts to improve the appearance of breasts.
Is Areola Reduction Worth It?
Areola reduction surgery can help to improve your self confidence and give you the appearance you’ve always wanted. The areola reduction procedure can help to fix issues such as stretching or naturally large nipples to bolster self-esteem and give you natural-looking results.
What Happens
During Areola Reduction Surgery?
Sinclair Gore is one of the most highly respected cosmetic surgeons in the South East and can provide you with the highest standards of service throughout the process.
Initial Consultation
During your initial areola reduction consultation, Sinclair Gore will discuss your goals and what you want from your procedure. He can explain how areola reduction surgery is performed and advise on additional procedures, such as breast augmentation or a breast lift to give you the desired results.
Treatment
Sinclair Gore will perform your areola reduction surgery at a state-of-the-art private hospital in either Banbury or Reading under general anaesthesia to help you achieve your aesthetic goals. He will use the treatment methods discussed during your consultation to ensure you get the outcome you want from the procedure.
Aftercare
Following the procedure, you may be required to stay overnight in the hospital so that your recovery can be monitored, depending on whether you chose areola reduction alone or with other procedures. Prior to your discharge, Sinclair Gore will provide you with instructions to help ensure a complete recovery.
Get in touch
Additional
Blog Posts
Find out more about areola reduction surgery and other breast procedures by reading Sinclair Gore’s blog.
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Areola reduction is just one minor procedure that can be used alongside others to create your ideal bust. As an experienced plastic surgeon working with a variety of patients throughout Oxford, Reading, Banbury and the surrounding areas, Sinclair Gore has the skills needed to transform your body and face.
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