Areola reduction: surgery and recovery

Areola reduction is a simple and effective procedure that improves the aesthetic aspect of the breast when its size generates discomfort. It can be done in isolation or next to other breast surgeries, with local anesthesia and almost invisible scars. It is a quick, safe solution with highly satisfactory results.

Areola is a small area that surrounds the nipple in a concentric way in which the skin is a bit more rough and of different coloration with respect to the skin in general. Its tone is from pink to different tones of brown and is considered normal in women who have a diameter of between 2 and 4 cm, being smaller in men.

Question of size

The size can vary by genetic causes or by the action of factors overcome which can modify their size throughout life: by weight gain, increase in breast size by Tumor, pregnancies and lactation in women and gynecomastia in men (enlargement of one or both breasts in men). All of them are factors that can stretch the skin so that their size is increased and this can be an aesthetic inconvenience for the affected person, and if it has a negative impact on their self -esteem, it can be corrected in the consultation or the operating room, with a Very simple surgical procedure that manages to reduce its size.

When is it usually reduced?

This procedure is also carried out very often as part of the most complex surgical treatments of the breast as the breast reduction or “remodeling or lifting” of the same (mastopexia) when it is intervened because it is too flaccid or fall to achieve a harmonious size between the new volume of the breast and the areola. Also in the case of male gynecomastia, in which in addition to reducing the size of the areola if necessary, The breast tissue that is excessive is removedand a similar case is that of tuberous breasts, malformed breasts that are excessively projected and conical, frequently with the enlarged areola. It also has its application in cases of breasts or simply symmetrical areolas, in which surgery is done to recover symmetry and therefore aesthetic harmony.

With what technique is the areola reduced?

Either a unique intervention or that is part of a more complex intervention associated with other breast surgical treatments, and both in men and women, the size of the areola can be reduced in a very simple way with a technique called Round Block, which consists of doing Two incisions in the breast, concentically to the nipplethe smallest and central of about 2 cm in diameter to achieve this size in the new areola, or the chosen diameter, and another peripherally, larger, that includes the entire areolar pigmented tissue. Once these two incisions have been made, as a “donut”, the skin of this donut is completely removed superficially, leaving this area completely “peeled” and then sutures the outer ring with the interior with the interior, thus eliminating all the surplus or unwanted pigmented tissue giving a new size to the areola. This will remain with a Peripheral scar in all its extensively frowning extension in the immediate postoperative period, but that will be completely hidden over time to be located in the new periphery of the areola. With the use of aesthetic sutures and appropriate care, scar will be practically imperceptible. Depending on the cut size, it may be necessary to apply some reinforcement suture points so that there is no excess voltage that stretch the areola again increasingly increasing its size.

Mapfre health insurance has great specialists who will explain the entire process and pre -postoperative recommendations.

Calculate your price

How is the procedure performed?

When this procedure is carried out in isolation it is perfectly feasible to do it with local anesthesia And it can be carried out in less than an hour, being able to register at home directly. The postoperative period is very tolerable, does not bother beyond the wound practiced, but allows to recover relative activity almost from the first moment.

How is the postoperative?

During the immediate postoperative period it is convenient keep the surgical wound compressed with a compressive dressing Or simply with a sports bra who firmly hold the breast, both during the day and during the night to avoid bruises. Once After the first two to three days the wound can be on the airand as soon as there is completely and there is no cosmetic products, cosmetic products can be used to favor good healing and avoid sun exposure during the first months.

In case of being a problem that worries or complex, it is convenient to consult it with the gynecologist or an experienced plastic surgeon, because in many cases it can be solved quickly and easily with minimal assumable risks, and with very satisfactory results.

What you should know …

• Areola can increase in size by factors such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, tumors or gynecomastia, which can affect its appearance, and this to self -esteem.
• The reduction of areola is a simple surgical procedure that can be performed alone or together with other breast surgeries to achieve a harmonic size and shape.
• The procedure is performed with local anesthesia, has a tolerable postoperative period and almost imperceptible scars, so it is convenient to consult a specialist if it causes concern.