Areola reduction surgery and breast plastic surgery are two common but different surgical procedures in modern cosmetic surgery. Although the two are often mentioned at the same time or performed together, there are significant differences in surgical objectives, indications, technical methods and postoperative management. This article will analyze the differences between these two types of surgeries in detail from a medical perspective in order to provide professional reference for clinicians and those seeking beauty.
1. Differences in surgical purposes
Areola reduction surgery is mainly used to treat problems such as areola that is too large in diameter, irregular in shape, or asymmetric . The purpose is to improve the appearance proportion of the areola and make the breast more coordinated as a whole. This surgery focuses more on the local aesthetic adjustment of the nipple-areola complex and has almost no effect on breast tissue and breast volume.
Breast plastic surgery is a broad concept, which usually includes breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast lift, breast reconstruction , etc. Its goal is to change the overall shape, size or position of the breast. It mainly serves the problems of abnormal breast development, sagging, atrophy, hypertrophy, etc., and pays more attention to the reshaping of breast contour and volume .
2. Differences in Indications
The indications for areola reduction surgery are relatively concentrated, mainly including:
① The diameter of the areola is significantly larger than the normal range (usually 4-5cm)
② The areola and nipple are out of proportion, affecting visual beauty
③. Unclear areola edges or radial cracks (common after lactation)
④. Asymmetry of the areola
The indications for breast plastic surgery are more extensive:
①. Breast volume is too large or too small
②. Breast sagging after breastfeeding or aging
③. Congenital dysplasia or breast asymmetry
④. Breast reconstruction is required after breast surgery
3. Differences in surgical methods and operating techniques
Areola reduction surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia using a circular excision method or a radial excision method . Common methods include:
Circumferential excision : A circle of skin is removed along the edge of the areola and then sutured. It is suitable for areolas with a large diameter.
Double ring method (inner ring and outer ring suturing) : It can preserve the center of the nipple and areola, and effectively reduce the edge and tension.
Areola skin wedge excision : suitable for cases with irregular areola shape
During the operation, special attention should be paid to maintaining the integrity of nipple blood supply and nerves to avoid affecting nipple sensation or breastfeeding function.
Breast plastic surgery has different procedures depending on the purpose, the most common ones are:
Breast augmentation : Silicone gel implants are placed under the breast, under the fascia, or under the pectoralis major muscle.
Breast reduction : Removal of some breast tissue, fat, and skin to reshape the breasts
Breast lift : Removes loose skin and repositions the nipple and areola to improve sagging breasts
Fat injection breast augmentation : Autologous fat is sucked and injected into the breast, suitable for mild breast augmentation
Most of these procedures require general anesthesia, have a larger surgical scope, and place higher demands on the body's recovery.
4. Differences in postoperative recovery and complications
Areola reduction surgery has a small surgical range and the incision is located at the edge of the areola. The recovery after surgery is relatively fast. Generally, the stitches can be removed within 1-2 weeks after surgery. The swelling will significantly subside within 3-4 weeks. The scars can be hidden between the color differences of the areola and are not obvious. Common complications include:
① Reduced nipple sensation (usually temporary)
② Delayed wound healing or pigmentation
③. Asymmetric areola or uneven edges
The recovery period of breast plastic surgery is long, and special shaping underwear needs to be worn for weeks to months after surgery. Due to the large range of trauma, the risk of complications is relatively higher, including:
①, Implant displacement, capsular contracture (breast augmentation surgery)
②Infection, effusion or hematoma
③ Obvious scar formation
④ Nipple necrosis (when the nipple is displaced too much during breast lift or breast reduction surgery)
Close follow-up is required after surgery, and repair is performed if necessary.
5. Differences in Patient Expectations and Preoperative Communication
Areola reduction surgery is mostly used to fine-tune aesthetic proportions. Patients expect a natural, symmetrical and delicate feel , and pay particular attention to the color, shape and overall breast coordination of the nipple and areola after surgery. Doctors need to carefully calibrate the resection range before surgery and reach a consensus with the patient on the desired areola size.
Patients' expectations for breast plastic surgery are focused on improving body posture and changing breast contours , which often involve major morphological reconstruction. Before surgery, patients should be helped to establish reasonable expectations through imaging, three-dimensional simulation, etc., and breast function, skin elasticity, and acceptability of postoperative scars should be evaluated.
VI. Clinical significance and strategy of combined surgery
In clinical practice, areola reduction surgery is often performed in combination with breast plastic surgery, especially in the following situations:
Areola position or proportion mismatch is common after breast lift
The size and symmetry of the areola can be adjusted during breast reduction surgery
③. For patients undergoing breast cancer reconstruction after surgery, the natural appearance of the breasts can be improved by adjusting the shape of the areola at the same time.
Combined surgery requires reasonable planning of the incision position, taking into account nipple blood supply and skin tension, so that a more satisfactory appearance can be achieved after the operation.
VII. Comparison of postoperative care and long-term management
Postoperative care for areola reduction surgery focuses on maintaining dryness, reducing traction and avoiding pigmentation . It is recommended to avoid strenuous exercise and excessive sun exposure within one month after surgery.
Continuous support and shaping are required after breast plastic surgery , especially after breast augmentation or breast reduction. Wearing shaping underwear can help maintain the position of the breasts and reduce the risk of implant displacement or breast sagging again.
In addition, breast plastic surgery patients should also undergo regular breast examinations, especially those with implants, to be alert to capsular contracture and implant integrity issues.
Beauty Encyclopedia Tips:
Although areola reduction and breast plastic surgery both belong to the category of cosmetic breast surgery, their respective goals, technical points and postoperative management are fundamentally different. Before choosing a surgical plan, patients need to clarify their own needs, receive evaluation from professional physicians, and establish reasonable expectations. At the same time, scientific postoperative care and long-term follow-up are important for the stability and beauty of the surgical effect. Breast beauty is not only about appearance, but also needs to consider functional retention and physiological coordination. It is a comprehensive medical process that integrates medicine, aesthetics and psychology.