OVERVIEW
Whether caused by genetics or hormones, massive weight loss, pregnancy or nursing, the areolas can change in size and shape over time leaving patients dissatisfied with how they look. Beverly Hills board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jaime Schwartz visits with patients who are unhappy with the appearance of their areolas, the pinkish brown area of skin that surrounds the nipple. The areola can become wide and stretched, and in some cases bumpy and raised. Cosmetic breast surgery can decrease the areola size and create an appealing shape that is proportionate and natural in appearance. This surgery is common for both men and women, and under the skilled and experienced eye of Dr. Schwartz, areola reduction surgery is considered easy and effective for transforming the look of the breasts.
AREOLA REDUCTION REVIEWS
IDEAL CANDIDATES
Unlike other cosmetic breast surgeries, areola reduction focuses primarily on the skin that surrounds the nipple. The goal is to reshape this area so that the areola looks smaller, appears flatter, and is more uniform and proportionate with a natural-looking edging. Many clients seek out Dr. Schwartz for areola reduction because of his experience with breast procedures. Clients who are candidates for this surgery will have areolas that exhibit one or more of the following characteristics:
- They are wide and enlarged
- They are raised (due to an increased amount of tissue, which can generally be the result of hormone fluctuations or nursing)
- They have taken on a "domed" appearance (often associated with a tuberous breast deformity)
- They are uneven or misshapen
- They exhibit an unnatural-looking deformity (noticeable bumps, clogged glands, and color deviation are examples of this)
While it may seem like a minor issue, an areola that is too large, wide, discolored, or disfigured can actually create anxiety and stress for patients who become embarrassed or self-conscious to expose their breasts or chest. During the consultation with Dr. Schwartz, the areola will be examined and measured. He will discuss proper sizing and the appropriate color variation that will best suit your breast appearance. This surgery has created natural and outstanding outcomes for many of our patients.
SIGNATURE AREOLA REDUCTION
Dr. Schwartz starts by removing a portion of the circular area (the outer edge) of the areola. This delicate excision process removes excess tissue so that the areola will have a smaller size. The remaining, healthy skin is then brought in and tightened to surround the newly created edge and secured with sutures. Patients with a predisposed condition that may indicate future widening of the areola may receive stitching that is placed deeper within the tissue for a more permanent outcome, so that the newly constructed areola doesn't change shape. Regardless of the type and method of stitching, the stitches are placed just inside the areola margin to help hide scarring and to maintain the reduced size as your skin heals. Both the projection and pigment can be reconstructed using a combination of nipple surgeries along with a skilled application of tattoo ink.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Even though the areola is a small area on the breast and despite the fact that the surgery is somewhat simple to perform, patients should still take it easy after their procedure. For about a week, a fitted compression garment should be worn and patients should avoid strenuous activities such as exercise. It's encouraged to keep moving and maintain a moderately low heart rate because circulation can help in the recovery process. Too much activity, however, may cause swelling and bruising. After about 7 – 10 days, a follow-up appointment with Dr. Schwartz will allow you to see the results and ensure everything is healing properly. Dr. Schwartz's signature rapid recovery program will help patients get the outcomes they desire in the fastest and most healthy manner.
PLAN YOUR PROCEDURE
Procedure Recovery Location Out-patient
This is the surgeon's fee only. Other fees apply.
IS IT FOR MEN?
Nipple surgeries, including areola reduction, are quite common for men as well as women. Gynecomastia is the technical term for what we commonly call "man boobs," and can be corrected by Dr. Schwartz. In many cases, gynecomastia can cause a man to have enlarged areolas, which can be addressed with this cosmetic surgery. Many male clients opt to have their nipples and areolas resized in combination with the removal of excess breast tissue to improve the overall appearance their chest.
CALL TO LEARN MORE
If you feel your areolas are too large, wide, discolored, or misshapen, or if you feel they look disfigured, we invite you to call the Beverly Hills plastic surgery office of Dr. Jaime Schwartz. This treatment, while fairly common, is not always one that patients think about even though their condition may cause them great distress. Once surgery has been confirmed, we will schedule your treatment during your thorough consultation, so that you can plan your surgery around the time of year that best fits your needs.
