Areolas are the pigmented regions around your nipples, and, like breasts, they can differ greatly in size, color, and shape among individuals. It’s common for areolas to be large or uneven, especially following life changes like pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you feel uneasy about the size of your areolas or nipples and you want to make them smaller, surgical reduction is a viable option.
Make Your Areolas Smaller with Reduction Surgery
Areola diminishment surgery is a straightforward outpatient procedure aimed at reducing the diameter of either or both of your areolas. The surplus pigmented skin is delicately excised, leaving a more proportionate and aesthetically pleasing areola in its wake. Should you wish, the height of your nipples can also be adjusted during this procedure. This surgical intervention can be pursued independently or in conjunction with various other breast procedures like augmentation, lift, or reduction. It is advisable to await the completion of breast development, typically in the late teens or early 20s, before contemplating this surgical option.
Who can get an areola reduction?
Areola reduction surgery is a viable solution for both men and women who want to make their nipples appear smaller or are dissatisfied with the size of their areolas. This surgical option is particularly effective for individuals who have experienced areola enlargement due to significant weight loss or the changes associated with pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Additionally, it is beneficial for those with puffy or prominent areolas, as well as for individuals seeking to correct asymmetrical areolas by reducing one to match the other. For women, it’s recommended to wait until breast development is fully complete, typically by the late teens or early 20s, before undergoing this procedure. It’s also a viable option for women who want to shrink their areola after pregnancy.
How much does it cost to reduce your nipple and areola size?
The expense associated with areola reduction surgery is contingent on several factors, with geographic location playing a significant role. The primary cost determinant is the specific type of procedure you choose. Opting for a combination with a breast lift or reduction will naturally result in higher costs. If pursued as an independent procedure, areola reduction surgery typically ranges from $2,000 to $5,000. It’s essential to note that this cosmetic intervention is not covered by insurance, necessitating out-of-pocket payments. However, certain clinics may provide convenient payment plans, facilitating more accessible financial arrangements for the treatment.
How to find a surgeon?
Selecting the right surgeon for your areola reduction surgery is crucial; prioritize those certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Board-certified plastic surgeons adhere to a higher standard compared to cosmetic surgeons, boasting a minimum of six years of surgical training, including a dedicated three-year focus on plastic surgery. It’s essential to review the surgeon’s portfolio to gauge their capabilities and align the expected results with your preferences.
Preparing for the Surgery
After you pick a surgeon, you’ll set up a meeting to talk about your upcoming surgery. At this meeting, your doctor will:
- Check your breasts
- Hear about what you want your breasts to look like
- Discuss different surgical methods with you
- Ask about your health history and any medicines you’re taking
If your doctor thinks you’re fit for surgery, they’ll walk you through how it’s done. They’ll also point out where you might have scars. They’ll help you understand how your breasts will look post-surgery and check if your expectations are realistic.
After this chat, you’ll get your surgery date. The doctor’s office will also give you instructions on how to get ready.
You might need to:
- Stop taking certain medicines, like aspirin and ibuprofen, a week before your surgery
- Plan some days off for your surgery and recovery
- Arrange a ride to and from the surgery
- Do not eat the day before if you’re getting general anesthesia
- Shower with a special soap on surgery day
- Skip makeup and other beauty products on surgery day
- Take off all body jewelry on surgery day
- Wear comfy, loose clothes on surgery day
During the surgery:
- Your doctor will cut out a doughnut-shaped piece from your areola.
- The cut goes around the edge of your current areola, where the scar can hide better.
- They’ll secure the new areola with a strong stitch deep inside your breast to stop it from stretching.
- They’ll close up the cut with stitches that can either be taken out later or dissolve on their own.
- Your doctor might give you a special bra or use surgical dressings.
During Recovery
For areola reduction surgery, it’s a pretty straightforward process that usually takes about an hour. The surgery can happen at your doctor’s clinic or a nearby hospital.
When you get there, your nurse will:
- Ask you to change into a hospital gown. You keep your underwear on, but your bra comes off.
- Check your blood pressure.
- Put in an IV line. You might get one medicine to relax and another to make you sleep.
- Stick on electrodes to watch your heart rate during surgery.
- Make sure you haven’t eaten if you need to fast.
Before the surgery, you’ll talk to your doctor for any last-minute questions. The anesthesiologist will give you a local anesthetic or get you ready for general anesthesia. If you had a local anesthetic, you could head home almost right away. If you had general anesthesia, your doctor would keep an eye on you for a few hours before letting you go.
Make Your Nipples and Areola Smaller with Reduction Surgery
Ready to embrace a change? If you’re considering areola reduction surgery, now is the time to take the next step. Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon and explore how this procedure can enhance your confidence and comfort. Remember, your journey to a happier, more confident you starts with this decision. Act now and schedule your consultation to learn more about your options and start your transformation journey!