Areola Reduction

Areola Reduction in San Francisco East Bay Area City of Walnut Creek - Dr. Joseph Mele

Areola Reduction

Areola Reduction surgery reduces the circle of pigmented skin found around the nipple. It is performed for both men and women, often in conjunction with Breast Reduction, Breast Lift, Gynecomastia Reduction, Nipple Reduction or Inverted Nipple Correction The areola naturally enlarges, and may darken, in response to the hormones released during puberty and pregnancy. Often the areolar enlargement seen during pregnancy remains, even after lactation ceases and the breast loses volume. For men, a large areola is often associated with male breast enlargement (gynecomastia), and has a feminizing effect on the appearance of the breasts. Areola reduction can often be performed in the office, under local anesthesia, and has a relatively short recovery period.

Areola Reduction Before and After Photos (Men & Women)

Female Areola Reduction

Disproportionately large areolae (the plural of areola) can be a source of embarrassment for women. Whether the enlargement of the areolae is isolated or found in conjunction with large breast, sagging breasts or tubular breasts, Areola Reduction can be an important part of breast enhancement surgery.

  • Areolar Reduction as a Solo Procedure

    When performed by itself, Areola Reduction is a minor surgical procedure. It is often performed under local anesthesia; however, conscious sedation or general anesthesia may be desirable in certain situations. The nipple and central portion of the areola remain attached to the breast, and only the excess, peripheral areola is removed. Since the pigment is contained in the superficial portion of the skin, only a thin layer needs to be removed. Fine sutures are placed to reapproximate the areola to the surrounding skin. For large reductions, a restraining suture may be placed to help maintain the smaller areola's circumference. It is possible to incorporate a small lift with this approach, when it is desirable, but an areolar reduction cannot substitute for a formal breast lift.

  • Areola Reduction with Breast Reduction

    When large areolae are associated with heavy breasts that cause neck and back pain, areola reduction make be incorporated as satisfying component of your Breast Reduction surgery (Reduction Mammoplasty). Breast Reduction surgery is performed to reduce the volume of, and relieve the symptoms associated with, enlarged breasts. Not only will Breast Reduction reduce your breasts' volume, it will also lift the breasts, and reposition the nipple and areola higher on the breast mound. The nipple and areola remain attached to the breast tissue, but while they are being moved, reduction of the areola is very easy to include with no additional scars.

  • Areola Reduction with Breast Lift

    For patients scheduled for a Breast Lift, the enlarged areolae associated with saggy breasts can be corrected during your procedure. The incision necessary for your breast lift is sufficient for areolar reduction surgery. Much like when large areolae are treated during breast reduction surgery, no additional incision is needed. The areolae are reduced and repositioned, without being detached from the under lying breast tissue, thus preserving maximal circulation and sensation.

  • Areolar Reduction with Tubular Breasts

    For patients with tubular breasts, areolar reduction is an important part of the correction. Tubular Breasts are often associated with enlarged and full areolae, as the breast tissue can herniate into the areolae causing puffy nipples. By reducing the areola, the breast tissue is confined to the breast mound, and cannot over inflate the areolae. The result is a less tubular, and more rounded, aesthetic breast mound

If you are interested in learning more about Areola Reduction in the San Francisco Bay Area, call our Walnut Creek Plastic Surgery office today at (925) 943-6353 to schedule a consultation.

Male Areola Reduction

Male Areola Reduction too can be performed by itself, or as part of another breast procedure. The most common breast procedure for men is for gynecomastia reduction or male breast reduction. With gynecomastia, the areola is often enlarged. Areola Reduction can reduce the overall size of the pigmented skin around the nipple, and provide a more masculine chest. When the nipple is large, nipple reduction, may also be desirable.

  • Areola Reduction as a Solo Procedure

    As with female Areola Reduction, when performed by itself, male areola reduction is a minor surgical procedure. It can be performed under local anesthesia; however, conscious sedation or general anesthesia can also be utilized when desired. Since the pigment is contained in the superficial portion of the skin, only a thin upper layer of skin needs to be excised. Once this excess peripheral pigmented areola skin is removed, fine sutures are placed to inset the new smaller areola into the surrounding skin. A restraining suture is rarely required for men. When the areola is full or projecting, Gynecomastia Reduction is performed concomitantly.

  • Areola Reduction with Gynecomastia Reduction

    Areola Reduction can be a component of gynecomastia reduction surgery. In cases where the areola is enlarged, reduction can provide a more masculine appearance. The male areolae are smaller, lower, more lateral and more oval than the female areolae. Careful attention to detail is required for optimal results. The periareolar incision used for the areola reduction can also provide access for removal of the enlarged male breast tissue. By removing the excess tissue, the areola is flattened.

Schedule an Areola Reduction Consultation

If you are interested in learning more about our San Francisco Bay Area Plastic Surgery office and Areola Reduction Surgery, please contact our cosmetic surgery office in Walnut Creek, California today.