Images: The area between the two circles shown above is removed during the operation. The circle marking shown below describes the course of the scar.
Areola reduction is part of the operation for breast lift and breast augmentation with lift.
How is areola reduction performed for large areolas?
Areola reduction is performed when the areola is large. In extreme cases, the enlarged areolas, medically known as areola hyperplasia, can be considered a malformation. The areolas can sometimes be over 10 cm wide.
How is areola reduction performed?
Areola reduction is usually performed under local anesthesia, possibly with an accompanying twilight sedation. An inpatient stay is rarely necessary.
The surgery is technically very similar to a breast lift with the incision only around the areola (periareolar). The difference is that it is not the sagging skin that is removed, but the excess skin of the areola. However, there is always a tightening effect, even if the intention is only to reduce the size of the areola.
When suturing, it is important to apply the suture in such a stable manner that the tension is removed from the wound edges so that the scar is as inconspicuous as possible.
How is the follow-up treatment carried out?
After the procedure, we at Yuveo Düsseldorf additionally reduce the tension at the wound edges with the help of stapling plasters. The stitches can be removed after approx. 14 days. As after a breast lift, a support bra is usually recommended for 6 weeks, as is abstaining from sport.
The skin sensation in the nipples and the ability to breastfeed are usually retained. In extreme cases, however, when the nipples have to be raised significantly, skin sensation and the ability to breastfeed can also be lost.
Sources:
- Plastic Surgery – Mathes – 8 Volumes – Saunders; Edition: Uitgawe – 2005
- Plastic Surgery – Grabb & Smith – Lippinkott Williams & Wilkins – Philadelphia USA – 2007
