Nipple Correction

What many women think of as "the nipple" is actually made of two parts: the nipple and the areola. The nipple is the projected part and the areola is the dark pigmented skin that surrounds the nipple.

The areola is the dark pigmented skin that surrounds the nipple. Large areolas may look out of proportion with the rest of the breast - this is especially noticeable if the patient has had a breast reduction or breast lift, but it can also occur naturally (often after childbirth). There are no medical complications associated with having large areolas, but self-esteem and body image can be greatly affected. Areola reduction can help women looking for a smaller diameter and rounder areola or those who would like to reduce puffy or bulging areola.

The doctor will begin by examining your areole to decide on the best technique to perform the surgery. A round ring-like strip of excess areola will be removed on the peripheral part of the operated areola. The edge of the new smaller areola will be sutured to the outer normal skin that will create many small pleats around the created areola. If the pleat is too much, the surgeon may decide to include the vertical removal of the skin strip under the areola to avoid too many pleat formation that will resolve itself in a few months.

Dressings and a light gauze bandage will need to be worn for several days. There may be minimal pain and swelling which usually dissipates by the second or third day and is easily controlled by medications. 

Recovery time will depend on the patient, but most patients can return to work and resume their normal activity within a day or two. The pleasing result of Areola Reduction surgery is a balanced and proportioned size and shape to the nipples and areolae. 

 

Surgical/Procedure Name:  Areola Reduction 

Hospital Admission: Out Patient procedure.  No admission necessary.

Duration of Operation: One to two hours

Anaesthetic: Local anaesthesia