Overview of the procedure
Your breasts and areolas are unique, with no standard look or shape. The darker skin around the nipple can vary in size and shape, and it is common to have noticeable differences between nipples. These aesthetic variations are typically not a health concern.
If you feel self-conscious about your areolae size, surgery can enhance the appearance of your breasts by balancing proportions. This procedure can boost confidence by creating harmony with your breasts and aligning with your cosmetic goals.
We provide various nipple procedures at Beverley Clinic, including areola reduction, nipple reduction, and nipple or breast reconstruction. Depending on your aesthetic goals, this procedure may be combined with other procedures, such as breast reduction, to achieve the desired outcome. During your consultation, he will discuss your aims for the areola reduction surgery.
Why choose areola reduction surgery?
There are various reasons to consider cosmetic surgery to change the appearance of your areolas. Your breast features are unique, and factors influencing the size and shape of your areolas include:
- Genetics: Inherited traits from both parents can determine whether your areolas are small or large.
- Tuberous Breasts: Some women have a tuberous breast shape, caused by tight fibres in the lower breast tissue, preventing proper growth. This may cause breast tissue to protrude through the areola, creating a puffy and stretched appearance. Correction can involve implants, fat grafting, or areola reduction.
- Age: As you age, your breast structure changes, and skin loses elasticity, leading to stretched and larger-looking areolas.
- Weight Changes: Fluctuations in weight can affect breast proportions, causing disproportionate areolas.
- Pregnancy: Breasts naturally expand during pregnancy, stretching nipples and areolas.
- Breastfeeding: Hormones and stimulation during breastfeeding can change areola and nipple size.
- Hormonal Changes: During puberty, pregnancy, and breastfeeding, increased progesterone and estrogen can enlarge areolas.
- Previous Breast Surgery: Various augmentation procedures can alter or stretch areola size and position.
While prominent areolas do not pose health issues, they can affect self-esteem. If you relate to these concerns, areola reduction surgery may be a solution worth considering.
Procedure at a glance
Benefits of nipple reduction surgery
Breast asymmetry procedure process
Your breast asymmetry correction surgery is performed under general anaesthesia and typically lasts 1-3 hours. In some cases, an overnight hospital stay may be necessary, which will be discussed during your initial consultations. Post-surgical check-ups are scheduled one week after the operation for a dressing change, and you will need to wear a post-op bra for at least 6 weeks. The surgeon will see you again at two weeks and between three to six months to monitor your progress and assess healing.
Request a no-obligation call with one of our surgeons
Take the first step towards achieving your desired look by booking a consultation with one of our experienced surgeons today
Discuss with a surgeon
If you’re considering areola reduction surgery or have questions about the procedure, engaging in a discussion with a surgeon at Beverley Clinic can provide you with invaluable insights tailored to your unique needs.
Our experienced team is dedicated to helping you understand your options and achieve your aesthetic goals, ensuring you feel confident and informed every step of the way.
Our clients experience at Beverley Clinic
Areola Reduction Patient
I am so happy with the results so far!
I am now a month post op of fat transfer to breasts, and nipple correction. I am so happy with the results so far! I had consultations with other surgeons, but Dr Pieri is the only one who really listened and made me feel at ease. Best thing I’ve done! Dr Pieri is truly amazing.
Frequently asked questions
Our FAQs section provides comprehensive answers to the most common inquiries regarding our procedures, helping you to make informed decisions and gain clarity on what to expect throughout your journey at Beverley Clinic.
What are the risks of areola reduction surgery?
While areola reduction is a relatively simple procedure, like all cosmetic surgeries, it carries some potential risks and complications. Although generally safe, undergoing areola reduction surgery may result in:
- Changes in nipple sensation
- Scarring
- Damage to milk ducts
- Bruising, numbness, and nausea during recovery
Are there any non-surgical alternatives to areola reduction surgery?
At present, reducing the size of areolas requires surgery. However, there are methods to alter the appearance of your nipples, such as cosmetic tattooing. This technique involves applying semi-permanent make-up to adjust the colour or visually alter the size of the area around the nipple. While this won’t actually make the areola smaller, it can improve the overall look of the nipple area.
How much does nipple reduction surgery cost?
The cost of your procedure depends on many factors, which your surgeon can discuss with you during your initial face-to-face consultation.
Can this be done with another procedure?
During a consultation, we can help you understand your options if you’re considering an areola reduction. This procedure can be done alongside other breast enhancements. If you’re interested in increasing breast size, you can combine areola reduction with an implant augmentation using Motiva implants to enhance shape and balance. For those with larger breasts, reducing both breast size and the areola might be the best choice. Alternatively, if you have sagging breasts, you might prefer a breast lift along with the reduction of the areola. Our surgeons will discuss your cosmetic wishes and create a personalised treatment plan to achieve your desired results.
When will I see results from my areola reduction procedure?
After your surgery, you will notice an immediate change in the shape and size of your areola. During the first post-operative check-up, stitches will be removed, allowing you to see a noticeable improvement in your breasts, particularly in the areola area. However, it will take up to 6 months to see the final results, as this time allows all swelling to dissipate and breast tissue to settle. It can also take up to one year for the incisions to fade and fully heal, enabling you to appreciate the final outcome.
How much can my areolas be reduced?
Areola reduction is a customised procedure for each patient, not a standardised approach. Your aesthetic goals and breast proportions will be considered to achieve natural and pleasing results. The degree of reduction will depend on your contours and personal preferences.
What scars will I have after my areola reduction treatment?
The process of reducing an enlarged areola or nipple typically results in minimal scarring around the incision sites. A circular incision will be made around the areola, which usually blends with the natural colour transition between the skin and the pigmented area. Initial healing occurs over the first few weeks, but scars from the incisions may take up to two years to fully mature. This varies among individuals, so it is important to follow the advice given during your post-operative check-ups.
Can I breastfeed after areola reduction surgery?
Breasts require glandular tissue and neurohormonal reflexes to produce and release milk. All breast surgeries have the potential to affect milk production. However, our skilled cosmetic breast surgeons will carefully preserve the milk ducts and blood supply to the nipple area to help ensure you can breastfeed after the procedure. While many patients can successfully breastfeed after an areola reduction, this depends on individual circumstances. It’s recommended to discuss any concerns during your initial consultations to determine if this surgical option is suitable for you.
