For many women, the breasts are one of the most important parts of the figure. A curvy, attractive bust line can help a woman feel beautiful and feminine. However, the overall size and shape of the breasts is not all that’s important. Even if the breasts are shapely and proportionate, a woman may feel self-conscious if she’s dissatisfied with the appearance of her areolas. If the areolas, or the dark pigmented skin that surrounds the nipples, are too large, the breasts can appear to be aged, or droopy, even when they’re not.
Breast surgery addresses imperfections of the bust line to provide patients with the attractive breasts they desire. While most people think of augmentation, lift, or reduction when it comes to breast surgery, the areolas can also be enhanced. Dr. Brian Kobienia performs breast surgery for large areolas to give his Edina, MN patients the perkier, more youthful looking breasts they desire.
Candidates for Areola Reduction
Breast surgery to minimize the size of the areolas, also known as areola reduction, is a great option for women whose areolas seem to be disproportionate to their breasts. For the average woman, the areolas should be about one and a half inches in diameter. Some women have larger areolas, while others notice changes in the size of the areolas after pregnancy or nursing. Even if the breasts themselves remain firm, large areolas can make the breasts look aged, worn down, and saggy. If a patient is concerned with the size of the areolas and is in good enough health to undergo surgery without any increased risk of complications, she is likely an ideal candidate for areola reduction.
The Procedure
Dr. Kobienia will begin the procedure by making a circular incision around the entire circumference of the areola at about the 40mm mark, which is typically the desired areola size. A second circular incision will then be made around the outer areola skin. Finally, Dr. Kobienia will create what is known as a purse-string suture. The purse-string suture closes the incision around the areola, while allowing Dr. Kobienia to pinch together the skin at the outer perimeter of the areola and draw it in so it appears smaller. This incision not only improves the size and appearance of the areola, but also ensures that the results of surgery will be long lasting.
While areola reduction does leave a scar on the breasts, it is often camouflaged very well. The natural difference in the color of the skin of the breasts and that of the areola keeps scar well hidden.
Enhancing the Results of Areola Reduction
While areola reduction can be performed on its own, it is often combined with other breast surgery procedures. Depending on a patient’s needs, Dr. Kobienia can perform areola reduction in combination with breast augmentation, a breast lift, or a breast reduction. This allows patients to enhance the appearance of the areolas while also improving the size, shape, or lift of the breasts.
Schedule an Appointment
Every woman deserves to have a body that makes her feel confident and beautiful. If you have cosmetic imperfections that are holding you back, schedule an appointment with Dr. Brian Kobienia at your earliest convenience to learn more about our comprehensive range of cosmetic treatments.