It’s important to be happy with the appearance of your
areolas, which are the circular areas of darker skin around your nipples.
Surgery can reduce the size of your areolas, as well as correct puffiness and misshapenness.
How areola surgery is performed
Areola surgery is an outpatient procedure done under local
or general anesthesia.
Your surgeon can reduce
the size of your areolas by making a donut-shaped incision around their
circumference and removing excess skin. Your breast skin is then pulled in with
stitches. A permanent stitch deeper in your breast tissue can help prevent your
areolas from enlarging over time.
Puffy or conical
looking areolas can be corrected by removing the underlying breast tissue that is pushing them outwards. This
can give your areolas a flatter appearance.
Recovery after surgery
Recovery is usually mild and most women can return to work
after about three days. Pain, swelling and discomfort should subside in less
than a week. It’s important to avoid strenuous activity and sex for around
three weeks while you heal.
Some women may lose sensation in their nipples and areolas
after surgery, so it’s important to discuss possible side effects with your
surgeon.
Costs
The costs of areola surgery depend mostly on the amount of
work that is done and the anesthesia that is used. Surgical and facility fees can
affect costs as well. Your surgeon can help with accurate cost information for
your procedure.