Areola reduction in London
Areola reduction, also known as areola reduction surgery or areola reduction mammoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that reduces the size of the areolas, the pigmented skin surrounding the nipples. The procedure may be performed for a variety of reasons, including to improve the appearance of asymmetrical or enlarged areolas, to restore the natural shape of the areolas after pregnancy or weight loss, or to create a more aesthetically pleasing appearance after breast augmentation or reduction surgery.
The procedure is typically performed as an outpatient procedure using local anaesthesia and sedation, and it typically takes one to two hours to complete. The surgeon will make an incision around the edge of the areola and then remove a circular section of the skin to reduce the size of the areola. The remaining skin is then sutured closed.
Recovery time following areola reduction surgery is typically around two weeks, during which the patient will experience some swelling, bruising, and tenderness. The patient must wear a special compression garment to help reduce swelling and support the healing process.
It’s important to note that areola reduction is not recommended for breastfeeding women, as it may affect the lactation process. It’s also important to have realistic expectations and understand that the areolas may not be perfectly symmetrical after the surgery.
It is always best to have a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your individual concerns and goals and to determine if areola reduction is the right option for you.
Areola reduction before and after
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Benefits of areola correction
Areola reduction, also known as areola resizing or reduction mammoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that reduces the size of the areola, the pigmented skin surrounding the nipple. The procedure can improve the appearance of the breast and boost a person’s self-confidence.
Here are some of the potential benefits of areola reduction:
- Aesthetic improvement: Areola reduction can improve the symmetry and proportion of the breast, creating a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. This can be especially helpful for people who are self-conscious about the size or shape of their areolas.
- Improved comfort: Large areolas can be uncomfortable, particularly in tight clothing or during physical activity. Areola reduction can help reduce discomfort and increase confidence in physical activity.
- Enhanced self-esteem: Many people who undergo areola reduction report improved self-esteem and confidence following the procedure. This can be due to the improved appearance of the breast, as well as the satisfaction of having addressed a physical issue that has caused them discomfort or embarrassment.
- Improved breastfeeding: In some cases, large areolas can make breastfeeding more difficult. Areola reduction can improve the ability to breastfeed by reducing the size of the areola and improving nipple placement.
It’s important to note that areola reduction is a personal decision and may not be necessary for everyone. It’s important to consult with a plastic surgeon at Centre for Surgery to determine whether this procedure is right for you and what to expect during the recovery process.
Ideal candidates for areola correction
All patients should be in good health and have realistic expectations about what can be achieved with areola reduction surgery.
We do not treat patients below the age of 18 years of age.
Healing is better if patients refrain from or quit smoking.
Areola reduction is performed purely for cosmetic purposes to help improve your image and self-esteem.
Before your surgery, you will have a consultation with your surgeon. You will be able to ask any questions you have, as well as be shown before and after photos, so you will have a good idea of how you will look post-surgery.
Areola reduction procedure
The procedure can be performed either under a local anaesthetic or general anaesthetic, so you will feel no pain and discomfort. You will be able to return home once the effects of the anaesthetic have worn off.
The procedure involves:
- Removing the outer area of the areola
- Bring the surrounding skin inwards to be closer to the areola
- Absorbable stitches are used within the areola to help reduce the diameter
- Surgeons will also use deep tissue stitches, which help to prevent any future widening of the areola. This will help the areola to stay in the new, smaller position.
Recovery after areola reduction
You may experience some soreness for 24-48 hours following your areola reduction surgery but you will be able to go back to your normal routine within the first week. However, you should avoid extensive physical activities for six weeks to ensure complete recovery.
Potential risks of areola reduction
Areola reduction is a commonly performed procedure at Centre for Surgery in London. At your consultation, your surgeon will discuss the potential risks and complications associated with surgery in depth. You can minimise the risk of complications by choosing an experienced surgeon at Centre for Surgery.
Potential complications of areola reduction:
- Anaesthetic risks
- Postoperative haemorrhage
- Hypertrophic scars / Keloid scars
- Delayed wound healing
- Areola distortion
- Nerve injury or sensory disturbance
- Change to nipple sensation
- Asymmetry of the areola
- Surgical site infection
- Nipple / areola necrosis – risk increased with smoking
- Requirement for revision surgery
Areola reduction cost
There are a number of factors which will determine the overall cost of your areola procedure and the final quotation will be given after your face to face consultation with your plastic surgeon.
- One side or both sides
- Areola reduction or combined with another breast procedure such as breast augmentation
- Previous breast surgery
Why not call 0207 993 4849 and speak to one of our expert patient coordinators who may be able to give you a rough costing prior to your consultation.
Always remember that price should never be the determining factor when it comes to choosing your provider. We feel that safety and quality of service should be your number one priority and instilling in you the confidence that our team will look after you before, during and after your procedure to the best of their ability.
FAQs
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What is areola reductionAreola reduction is a surgical procedure involving reducing the size and/or changing the shape of the areola area, which is located circumferentially around the nipple. The areola is characterised by the darkened area of skin around the nipples. Many women are unhappy with the size of their areolas and the procedure of areola reduction is ideal for reducing the size of very large areolas. The procedure involves the surgical removal of skin in a circular fashion around the nipple to reduce the size of the brown areola area. Large reductions involve an incision that runs along the outer border of the areola compared with smaller reductions, where the incision is located around the base of the nipple. The procedure is easily performed under a local anaesthetic and takes about 2 hours to perform. The option of a general anaesthetic is also available if you prefer to be asleep for the procedure.
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Why do women choose to have areola reduction surgery?Areola reduction is a surgical procedure for the correction of areolas that are felt to be too large. The average diameter of the areola is considered to be 4.7cm. However, this will vary depending on your height and bust size. Those whose areolas are too large will appear as if they are out of proportion. The areola may appear too domed or appear more oval rather than circular in appearance. Surgery will aim to reduce the areola to an average size.
The main abnormalities that can occur in the areola are:
Large, wide areolas: the size of the areola will vary depending on factors such as your gender and height. Areola reduction will reduce wide areolas to a size that is in proportion.
Domed or raised areolas: breast tissue can sometimes push on the areola, causing it to look domed or raised. Areola reduction can remove this breast tissue and reduce the areola size.
Non-circular areolas: generally areolas are circular in shape. Areola reduction helps to reshape the areolas and make them more circular.
Surface abnormalities: you may notice there are abnormalities in the surface of your areolas. This can include a colour difference or nodules on the surface, which appear as glands. Areola reduction can help to remove these small glands. -
Am I an ideal candidate for areola reduction?Areola reduction is for both women and men who wish to change the size, shape or appearance of their areola.
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How should I prepare for areola reduction surgery?At your consultation, you will be physically examined by your surgeon followed by a discussion of the range of applicable treatment options depending on the size of the areola. It is important to let your surgeon know of any medical conditions you may have and what medications you are taking if any. The procedure will described in detail step by step to give you a clear idea of what to expect during the procedure. Your expectations for treatment will be assessed and your surgeon will determine if the procedure is right for you. You may be asked to stop smoking as smoking has a detrimental effect on wound healing and to stop medicines which interfere with blood clotting. This includes aspirin and medicines containing aspirin. Areola reduction is ideally suited to being carried out under local anaesthesia although the choice of anaesthetic is yours based on how nervous you may feel and also if other procedures are to be combined with areola reduction. If you choose TIVA anaesthesia, you will be required to have a responsible adult escort to collect you after your procedure and to look after you for the first 24 hours after surgery. The fasting guidelines for surgery carried out under general anaesthesia should also be fully adhered to and this includes not eating for 6 hours and sips of water fro up to 2 hours before the surgery. You should also avoid any make-up or jewellery and wear loose fitting, dark coloured and comfortable clothing.
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What is the minimum size of areola I can consider for an areola reduction?There is no minimum size. The size of your areola will vary depending on factors such as your gender and your height. For a woman of average height, the average areola size is about 4.7cm. Anything below the average size will not require further reduction.
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How is areola reduction surgery performed?At Centre for Surgery, areola reduction surgery is performed by removing a circular area of the outer brown area of the areola. The skin surrounding this is then brought inwards in a purse string fashion to surround the areola and stitched in place to reduce the diameter of the areola.
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What is the recovery period like?You will experience some soreness for 24-48 hours following your areola reduction surgery but you will be able to go back to your normal routine within the first week. However, you should avoid extensive physical activities for 6 weeks to ensure complete recovery.
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What are the complications associated with areola reduction surgery?Bleeding and infection
Temporary or loss of sensation on the nipples potentially due to nerve damage
Difficulties in breastfeeding -
Will I have a scar after areola reduction?Small areola reduction will leave only an unnoticeable scar around the base of the nipple, whereas a larger reduction may leave a scar around the edge of the areola but will be hidden.
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Is areola reduction painful?During the procedure, you will be under local anaesthesia and will feel no pain but you may feel some soreness for 24-48 hours following the surgery. During the recovery period, you may feel some pain and discomfort. You can take medication to alleviate this pain.
What To Expect
The consultation
The first step is to have a consultation with one of our expert surgeons for areola reduction. At the consultation, your surgeon will explain the procedure in detail and it involves. Your surgeon will want to learn more about what you hope to achieve from the procedure and also to explain the ideal treatment technique after a physical examination which is based on how large the areola is.
A number of measurements are taken of your enlarged areolas including assessment of the degree of breast sagging. Your surgeon has experience in performing all the techniques of areola reduction including the round block technique. The most appropriate choice will be made based on your degree of areola enlargement. The surgeon will also give information on the location of the incisions for areola reduction and also whether other breast procedures are to be combined such as breast augmentation. High-resolution photos will be taken and your surgeon may also use computer digital imaging. Your surgeon will take time to discuss the important risks and potential complications of areola reduction surgery and what you can expect in the postoperative period.
It is useful to keep a list of questions handy to ask the surgeon during the consultation. Examples include whether you are a good candidate for the areola reduction procedure, what sort of result are you looking to achieve, what you can do to optimise results in the post-operative period, how much downtime is involved. You may also want to know how soon you can return to work after having enlarged areola surgery. The surgeon will also take a full medical history which includes previous operations, current list of medicines taken and any potential allergies. This information will be used to decide on your suitability for the areola reduction procedure. If you are deemed to be a suitable candidate for areola surgery then we would recommend to spend a period of time to reflect on all the information given. We always recommend a minimum of a 2 week cool off period for to weigh up your options. All our prospective patients are more than welcome to have as many follow-up consultations after their initial consultation to make sure you are fully empowered with all the information to make an informed decision for proceeding with areola surgery at Centre for Surgery.
Before your procedure
Once you have decided that areola reduction is right for you, our preoperative assessment team will be in contact to prepare you for the procedure
The following are recommended actions to take:
- For 6 weeks beforehand, it is highly recommended to stop smoking as active smoking is associated with a number of risks including delayed wound healing which could result in wound infection.
- You should also avoid aspirin and all medicines containing aspirin for at least one week prior to the procedure.
- If you are having a general anaesthetic, for 6 hours before the procedure, you should refrain from eating any food or any type of drink apart from sips of clear fluid (water and tea/coffee without added milk) which is allowed for up to 2 hours before the procedure.
On the day of your procedure
Please aim to arrive for your areola reduction procedure at the confirmed time. One of our nursing team will admit you for the procedure and will carry out several tasks, including checking your blood pressure and other vital signs, including pulse and temperature, and then getting you changed into single-use clinic wear. The anaesthetist will then come in to assess you to make sure you are medically fit for the procedure. You will then be seen by your surgeon who will confirm the procedure to be undertaken and you will sign the informed consent form. Skin marking and photos may be taken at this point.
Areola reduction is a very commonly performed procedure at the Centre for Surgery and is easily carried out under local anaesthetic as a day case if it is an isolated procedure. The procedure takes approximately 2 hours to perform but may take longer if combined with other procedures. During the procedure, your surgeon will make incisions around the areola, then remove the excess areola skin before closing the skin with dissolvable sutures leading to smaller-looking areolas.
After your procedure
After your areola reduction procedure, our dedicated postoperative support team are available round the clock to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Our team will call you regularly for the first 2 weeks after your procedure to make sure your pain levels are well controlled and your healing is progressing as normal. Areola reduction is associated with very little in the way of discomfort. Any soreness can be effectively controlled with tablet painkillers and the majority of our patients are very comfortable by the end of week 1. Your doctor may recommend a period of approximately 2-3 days off work. You should minimise any excessive physical activity for the first 2 weeks after surgery to help with the healing of the incisions and reduce swelling.
You may be required to wear a specialised postoperative sports bra to protect the healing areola.
You will attend for a postoperative check up with one of our nursing team at 7-10 days to review your surgical wound sites and ensure proper healing is taking place. Recommendations on treatments for scar healing may be given for optimal cosmesis. At 6 weeks you should begin to see your final results and you will see your surgeon for a comprehensive review and make sure your results are in line with your expectations.
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