Areola Reduction

Areolae are the rings of pigmented skin surrounding the nipple. It is common to have different-sized, oval-shaped or “big” areolae, but in some women the difference can cause issues with body confidence or self-esteem.

Treatment details

Areolae reduction is a procedure by which the size of the skin surrounding the nipple is made smaller and/or more circular. You may be considering an areola reduction for one or both breasts if you have any of the following attributes:

  • Enlarged or widened areolas – in many cases, changes in lifestyle or factors such as pregnancy, genetics, sun exposure and sometimes breast size can affect the size and shape of the areola.
  • Raised areolas – If you have raised areolas, this could be due to breast tissue pushing it forwards into a more ‘domed’ shape around the nipple.
  • Differences in the shape of your areola – The areolae can be circular, or more oval in shape. The shape can also change according to nodules or ‘bumps’ on the areola, which are small glands which appear on the surface of the pigmented area surrounding the nipple.
Our technique

I perform this surgery by removing a circular rim of the outer areola, bringing in the surrounding skin using a permanent purse string suture. A finer line of absorbable suture is then used to make the scar as neat as possible. At first the scar looks corrugated, where a larger circumference of skin has been worked into a smaller circumference of areola, but this settles over the first couple of months. By using the permanent stitch, it is very unlikely that you would get further widening of the areolae.

Fulvio's advice

Areola reduction surgery can be performed under either local or general anaesthetic as a day case, has very little down time and also has the other advantage of tightening up the breast skin. You will be able to return to sedentary activities (i.e. an office job or light duties) after a couple of days. 

Aftercare
  • Analgesia (pain relief) – Ibuprofen and paracetamol
  • Surgical skin tapes should be left in place for the first week and replaced thereafter
  • The hospital or surgeon should be contacted if you develop a temperature, bleeding or rapid swelling
  • Wounds will be checked at 1 week, and I usually then see you at 1, 3 and 6 months.
  • Swelling reduces after a few weeks
Procedure statistics

General or Local Anaesthetic

Reasonably mobile: Immediately

Bras and garments: sports bra worn for 8 weeks.
Wired bra after 2 months

Hospital stay: 1 night

Washing: Shower after Day 1,
bath after 2 weeks

Full recovery: 1-2 weeks

Surgery time: 60 – 90 minutes

Driving: 1 week

Time off work: None

Exercise: 6-8 weeks

Sleeping: On your back for 4 weeks

  • I would like to express my thanks for the care and kindness you have shown me. It has made such a difference in what has been a difficult time. Many thanks

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  • To Dr Urso-Baiarda and wonderful team. Thank you for looking after me and making this journey for me. I am so happy with my results!

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  • Hi Fulvio, Thank you again for everything, not only the fantastic results (I’m beyond thrilled) but also the level of care you have shown. I would love to see what can be achieved, and if the photo can help, that is great. Take care of yourself, and happy changing people‘s lives, one surgery at the time. See you in a year.

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  • Dear Fulvio and team, Thank you so very much for performing my operation and all the care that I received post operation too. You are an expert with in your field, I feel exceptionally lucky that you were my surgeon. My experience is nothing short of outstanding. You have an exceptional bedside manners are kind and a good sense of humour to boot. Never underestimate the difference you make to your patients.

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