Areola Reduction

The areola is the flat pigmented area surrounding the nipple. It is pigmented and usually pink or brown in colour, although it typically becomes darker during pregnancy.

The right areola for you depends on the width and size of your breasts, as well as on the nipple diameter. The surgeons at Bella Vou will carefully examine and measure your breasts, discuss your preferences, and show you images of surgical results before deciding an individual treatment plan so that you get the results you want.

There are several methods of carrying out Areola Reduction. Our surgeons will determine the best procedure based on your breasts and your concerns.

The most common procedure is performed with an incision around the outer part of the areola, a circumareolar excision. A doughnut-shaped portion of skin is removed, as is described in the Bella Vou Areola Reduction patient journey.

Alternatively, the scar can be placed at the base of the nipple. This is hidden in the crease, making it more discreet. However, this approach limits the amount of areola skin that can be removed.

If you need some uplift, a circumareolar mastopexy or Breast Uplift could offer the best results. This involves the areola and the skin below, resulting in a lollipop scar. Your surgeon will examine your breasts, listen to your concerns and preferences, and determine the best procedure to achieve your goals.

There may be a temporary loss of sensation to the nipples. However, it usually returns as any swelling and bruising settle. Nipple sensation is generally derived from multiple sources from within the breast tissues. The Bella Vou surgeons use techniques to remove excess areola skin, without damaging underlying structures. This means that sensation is usually maintained.

There is more risk of nipple sensation changing following Breast Reduction or Breast Uplift. If you have Areola Reduction as part of more extensive breast surgery, your surgeon will take time to answer all your questions and talk you through the risks and benefits of the procedures.

All surgery leaves scarring. Our surgeons will do their utmost to ensure the scar is as small and discreet as possible. Plastic surgeons, like the specialists at Bella Vou, are expert in making incisions and suturing in ways that minimises scarring.

Areola scars generally heal and mature well over time. They fade and will not be noticeable. However, if the healed scar is discoloured, Bella Vou offers medical tattooing to camouflage it and blend it with the surrounding skin tone.

Any surgery involves cutting and manipulating the skin and tissue, which results in swelling and bruising. Following Areola Reduction, the bruising is usually limited to the areola and the surrounding skin, but it can sometimes involve the entire breast.

Don’t worry; people differ in the way they heal. The swelling and bruising will settle over time. If you have any questions or concerns, get in touch with the team at Bella Vou for guidance and support.

Areola reduction shouldn’t affect your ability to breastfeed. The ducts arise from the breast tissue itself. Removal of areola skin should not interfere with the healthy function of the breasts.

However, pregnancy and weight changes can alter the breasts and change the size of the areolas. So, to maintain the final result, it can be better to finish your family before having surgery.