Areolar reduction

Large areolas may occur with large breasts in which case an areolar reduction will be done at the time of and as part of breast reduction. Similarly with other breast surgery, areolar reduction can be combined with the more major procedure.

Areolar reduction can also be done on its own. A donut of tissue can be excised to reduce areolar size. Bringing the larger outer circle to the smaller circle around the newly reduced areola can cause some puckering, but this usually resolves after a few months. To prevent the areolas from widening out again in time, usually a permanent suture is left in around the areola. Sometimes this permanent suture is palpable, in other words, one may be able to feel the suture. The other risks of the procedure are scarring and recurrence. Nevertheless areolar reduction, which is a relatively small procedure which can be done under local anaesthesia, is usually satisfying to the patient.

Article written 2 Feb 2011.