Confidence in the overall appearance of your breasts
The nipples and dark area surrounding them, known as the areolae, are primary features of your breasts. The size and shape of your nipples and areolae contribute greatly to the overall appearance of your breasts. Whether due to genetics, trauma, aging or breastfeeding, your areolae and nipples may be too large, disproportionate, misshapen or asymmetric.
Is Nipple/Areola Reduction Surgery Right for Me?
Your areolae and nipples can be reduced in size and/or modified to improve their shape so they appear more balanced. If asymmetry exists, it’s fine to have just one side treated to balance things out. Dr. Dawes will discuss your natural breast size/shape, your preferred look and what improvement would achieve the most proportionate result.
A nipple/areola reduction surgery may be right for you if you have:
- long nipples
- droopy nipples
- enlarged areolae
- puffy areolae
How the Surgery is Performed
During the procedure, local anesthesia is administered. Your procedure will take about an hour or so. An incision is made in the nipple, or around the areola. Excess tissue is removed through this incision. Permanent sutures are placed and the incision is closed and dressed.
Recovery Expectations
Your surgery is performed under local anesthetic. That means you won’t feel any side effects related to general anesthesia, such as nausea and dizziness. The majority of swelling and bruising should disappear within a couple of weeks. It’s important to know that one breast may heal faster than the other. Don’t be alarmed if this happens. Residual swelling can last a couple of months. Any numbness and tingling sensations should go away as the swelling subsides. You should be able to get back to work in a day or two, but make sure you avoid strenuous activity for at least three weeks.
Nipple/Areola Reduction FAQs
Areola reduction is an option for any man or woman who is unhappy with the size of their areolas.
This procedure works well if you’ve lost a significant amount of weight and have stretched areolas or if your areolas changed after pregnancy or breastfeeding. Puffy or protruding areolas or asymmetrical areolas also make you a good candidate.
Nipple reduction is designed to reduce unusually large or prominent nipples. This procedure improves the appearance of large nipples and resolves chafing or irritation due to the nipples rubbing against clothing.
As with any surgery, there are risks. In general, any surgery done to the nipple areolar complex can affect a woman’s ability to breastfeed and can alter the sensitivity and feeling. There will be a scar running around the outer edge of your areola.
Recovery from areola reduction surgery is relatively quick. Although you may have some swelling and bruising, you can usually go back to work in one or two days.
It may take weeks before you are able to appreciate the results. As swelling subsides, your breasts will settle into their final position. You’ll notice that your areolas appear smaller and more centered. The ring-shaped scar around your areola can take up to one year to heal.
Schedule a Areola Reduction Surgery Consultation
To schedule an appointment for an Areola Reduction surgery consultation, please call us at 403-571-3141 or fill out an online contact form and our office will be in touch with you. Thank you for choosing Jeffrey C. Dawes MD, FRCSC in Calgary, AB!
