Areola Reduction

Areolas that are larger than normal may appear disproportionate to the rest of the breast. This can be even more evident if the patient has undergone a breast reduction or breast lift, although it can occur without surgery too. There are no known health conditions resulting from possessing large areolas. Since it is not a medical concern, the procedure is aesthetic when one wants to decrease their areola's size, but it can actually help the patient's self-confidence and become more comfortable with their body.

Areola reduction is a permanent cosmetic procedure to enhance the features of a woman’s breast area. For breast sizes (b & c cups) the preferred diameter for the areola is four to five centimeters. Breasts which are smaller in size with appear more normal with little areolas.

The cost for the surgeon's who specializes in this ranges from $500 to $1500. The variation is due to location. It generally costs more in major cities vs suburbs or average to smaller sized cities. The surgery normally is under sixty minutes and the patient is able to resume their daily activities within 24 to 48 hours.

Expectations After Areola Reduction

Breast sensitivity is typically the same and care is monitored so the patient keeps the ability to breastfeed their children. Although, at times a patient may experience some loss of sensitivity, abnormal areola shape and possible scarring. The scars, if they are noticeable at all, will be adjacent to your reduced areola so, the scars will be faint. The more experienced your cosmetic breast surgeon is, the less of a chance you will have of any scarring. Likewise for any nerve damage complications, problems with breastfeeding, etc. You may want to speak with former patients or read reviews of some doctors you are interviewing.