For many patients, the size, shape, or symmetry of their areolas (the pigmented skin surrounding the nipple) can be a source of self-consciousness. Areola reduction is a straightforward, highly effective cosmetic procedure designed to resize and reshape the areola to better complement the natural proportions of your breasts. It can have a dramatic impact on the overall appearance of the breast, creating a more balanced and youthful look.
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Before
After
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Before
After
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Before
After
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Before
After
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Pre-op
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Procedure
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Please bring all your home medications.
Post-op
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Please follow all of the specific instructions given to you and attend your follow-up appointment as arranged.
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Costs may include:
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Dr. Mahoney and Dr. Yeung deeply understand the importance of preserving your natural anatomy. A standalone areolar reduction typically removes the superficial layers of skin and leaves the deeper nerve pathways intact; as such, permanent loss of sensation is rare. However, it is entirely normal to experience temporary numbness or hypersensitivity in the weeks following surgery as the delicate superficial nerves heal.
If you undergo a standalone areolar reduction, the underlying breast tissue, milk ducts, and primary nerve supplies to the nipple are generally left untouched. Therefore, the vast majority of women are still able to breastfeed successfully in the future. However, any surgery on the breast carries a small theoretical risk of impacting lactation, so we always want you to be fully informed if you are planning future pregnancies.
Absolutely. In fact, it is far more common for an areolar reduction to be performed in conjunction with another breast procedure than on its own. An areolar reduction is automatically built into the technique of a full Breast Lift (Mastopexy) and Breast Reduction. It is also very frequently paired with a Breast Augmentation to ensure the areola size perfectly matches the newly enhanced breast volume.
No. We use absorbable sutures that are placed beneath the surface of the skin. They dissolve naturally on their own as your body heals, meaning you will not have to go through the discomfort of having stitches physically removed at your follow-up appointments.
Yes, the skin that is removed during the procedure is permanently gone. However, your breasts will still be affected by natural aging and hormonal changes. If you experience significant weight gain or go through future pregnancies and breastfeeding, the breast tissue can swell and cause the areolas to stretch again over time.
Want to learn more? Drs. Mahoney and Yeung use the latest evidence-based practices to guide their care and achieve the best possible outcomes.
