While some women are lucky enough to have natural and pleasant looking busts, others have to undergo multiple ‘enhancement’ treatments or plastic surgery to improve the appearance of their breasts. It has been noted that breast augmentation is among the most requested cosmetic operations in the world.
However, smaller busts are not the only problem that ladies may face. Some women have extremely large breasts, others have saggy breasts, and some are not satisfied or unhappy about their nipple or areola size. The good news is that modern plastic surgery has a solution for all of these issues.
Shens Clinic offers a wide range of cosmetic procedures that can improve the appearance of the breasts, including breast augmentation, breast lift, nipple reduction surgery, and areola reduction. In this post, we will focus on areola reduction surgery – what it is, how it is performed, what to expect during the recovery and other common questions related to this cosmetic procedure.
First of all, it is important to understand the difference between nipple and areola. A lot of people use the word nipple synonymously with the areola, but these are two separate areas of the breasts. The nipple is the part that protrudes out, and the areola is the pigmented skin around it.
The colour, shape and size of the areola vary for each person. The aesthetically ideal size of the areola is one that is proportionate to the size of the breast and nipples. In women, it is usually around 4 centimetres. However, the size of the areola can increase over time due to certain reasons such as puberty, hormone changes, pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Genes are also a crucial factor that may significantly impact the size and colour of the areola. There is nothing unusual if your areolas are too large. However, this can be something that makes you feel uncomfortable.
Areola reduction is a surgical procedure that is used to reduce the size of an enlarged areola. It is achieved by removing excess skin from the outer part of the areola. Moreover, this operation can also reduce puffy areola and make the nipple appear smaller. The areola reduction procedure can be done on its own. Though, often, it is combined with other breast surgeries such as nipple reduction, breast augmentation, breast lift or breast reduction surgery. The combination of treatments allows patients to achieve better overall results and aesthetics.
Areola reduction surgery must be performed only by a board-certified plastic surgeon. The operation is usually done in the following way:
Areola reduction is typically made under local anaesthesia with no hospitalization. The procedure takes approximately one to two hours. Once the anaesthetic wears off, you will be able to return home.
You might be an ideal candidate for the areola reduction procedure in case you have any of the following concerns:
Many times people with larger areolas have protruded and puffy nipples as well. In such cases, areola reduction can be made together with nipple reduction surgery (a technique used to reduce the nipple size). On the other hand, if you have saggy breasts and your nipples point downwards, then you may benefit from areola reduction with a breast lift.
During the first day after the surgery, you are more likely to feel pain and discomfort. Your surgeon will give you medications that will help you manage them. Also, you might be asked to wear a surgical bra for a few weeks.
Since areola reduction is performed under local anaesthesia, the recovery time is usually relatively short. You should be able to return to work and your normal activities within 7-10 days. However, strenuous activities and heavy lifting should be avoided for at least 4-6 weeks.
The effect of the procedure can be seen in the first week. Over the next 3 months, the areola will continue to change and improve aesthetically. You can expect to see your final results after 6 months.
Performing the areola reduction surgery results in an improved shape, size, and proportion of the nipples and areolas. The outcomes are usually permanent.
Areola reduction is a safe procedure that is usually not associated with any serious complications. However, it involves surgery, so it comes with potential risks. Some of them include:
You can minimize the chance of complications by choosing a skilled plastic surgeon.
Areola reduction surgery is carried out under local anaesthetic. It is an injection that blocks the pain fibres and sensory nerves. After it is applied, you may feel only movement and pressure, but you will not feel any pain.
You are more likely to experience soreness and discomfort following the surgery when anaesthesia has worn off. You will be given over the counter medication to manage this pain.
The first step to reducing the size of the areola is consulting with an expert surgeon. During the initial consultation, you and your surgeon will discuss the procedure in detail and the areola reduction surgery cost. The doctor will want to find out more about what you’re expecting to achieve with this surgical procedure.
Based on your medical history, the size of your areola and the goals you want to accomplish, the surgeon will recommend the best surgical techniques for you.
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