What is Areola Reduction Surgery?

Over time, many women experience an alteration in the size and shape of their nipples and areolas because of pregnancy, weight gain, or weight loss. Some women are born with large or unevenly shaped nipples or areolas.

Areola and nipple reduction surgery can address dissatisfaction with the size and shape of the areolas and nipples. Although primarily women get this surgery, it is not exclusive to them, and men can benefit from it.

The surgeons can perform areola reduction as a standalone procedure or with other breast augmentation surgeries such as breast lift or breast reduction, depending on the patient’s needs.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Areola Reduction?

Areola reduction surgery is ideal for those unhappy with their areolas’ size or shape. You must be over 18 years of age since the body matures even after adolescence and may develop the problem in the future. You must also have excellent physical and mental health.

Pregnant and nursing women should consult with their doctor and wait later. Surgery in such a condition can have ill health effects on both the mother and the child and create problems in breastfeeding.

The surgery can help people with stretched or puffy areolas, long, droopy, overly prominent nipples, and asymmetrical areolas. Anyone with limited clothing choices and facing embarrassment due to the limited clothing choices is also a good candidate.

Pre-Procedure Care:

If you take blood-thinning medications, discuss this with your doctor since you may need to stop them for a few days. Do not smoke for at least a few weeks before the surgery since it hampers the healing process.

Avoid caffeine on the day of the procedure. You may also need to fill post-treatment prescription drugs beforehand. Lastly, ensure that you follow any instructions from your surgeon before the surgery.

Procedure:

The surgery takes place under local anesthesia and usually takes about an hour to complete. Since it is a day procedure, you can go home shortly after the completion of the procedure.

The surgeon will make incisions in the areola region to reshape and modify the nipple and areola. Afterward, your surgeon will use fine sutures to close the incision. They may place a surgical bra over your breasts after the surgery to hold them in the best position for healing.

Post-procedure Care:

Have someone drive you home since you may feel drowsy after the anesthesia, and the treated site will be sore. Get lots of rest to allow quick healing. Also, ensure that you consume a healthy diet and drink plenty of fluid. Ensure that you consume any prescribed medications after the surgery to avoid infections.

You should avoid strenuous exercise for about 2 to 3 weeks after the surgery. Do not carry any heavyweights for a longer period. Do not smoke for at least a month after the procedure. You will also need to change the dressing after a specific period regularly. Be sure to follow any other precautions from your surgeon.

Side Effects:

You may experience some numbness in the treated site, but this usually goes away completely in about a month and a half of surgery. One breast may swell and feel less comfortable, which is pretty normal.

Typically, there will be redness, bruising, and swelling in the treated area. You may need to wear compression garments for a while.

Like all surgical procedures, there are risks related to areola reduction surgery. However, the risks can be reduced significantly by strictly following the instructions provided to you by your surgeon.

Other risks include:

Why Choose Us?

We have some of the finest Cosmetic Surgeons in Georgia and Tbilisi with years of experience in performing these procedures. We also have clinics with the most advanced equipment to help our surgeons during the operations.

If you’re considering nipple or areola reduction surgery or want to learn more about the procedure, fill the form below. Someone from our office will reach out to you and schedule an appointment at a time of your convenience.