Areola reduction surgery is a plastic surgery technique that aims to improve the appearance proportions of the areola and make it more coordinated with the nipple and breast as a whole. As people pay more attention to breast aesthetics, areola reduction surgery has gradually become one of the more popular surgeries in the field of breast plastic surgery. This article will systematically explain the indications, preoperative evaluation, surgical methods, postoperative care and potential risks, and provide a reference for clinical practice and patient decision-making.
1. Surgical indications and preoperative evaluation
Indications include the following:
The diameter of the areola is significantly larger than the conventional aesthetic standard . The average diameter of the areola of a general female is 3-5 cm. If it exceeds this range and causes discomfort in appearance or psychological distress, surgery may be considered;
The areola and nipple or breast ratio is unbalanced , such as small nipples, medium breasts and obviously too large areola;
Those with enlarged areola due to congenital or acquired factors (such as pregnancy and breastfeeding) ;
Those with irregular areola shape and blurred edges that affect their appearance .
Preoperative evaluation requires a detailed understanding of the patient's physical condition, breast structure, reproductive and breastfeeding history, and personal aesthetic expectations, including areola color, thickness, symmetry, elasticity, and relationship to surrounding tissues . Breast diseases, especially breast hyperplasia, mastitis, or breast tumors, should be ruled out.
2. Main surgical methods for areola reduction
Areola reduction surgery mainly selects different surgical procedures based on the degree of areola enlargement, breast shape and patient needs. Common methods include the following three:
1. Circular excision method
This is a surgical method that is widely used in clinical practice . During the operation, the doctor takes the nipple as the center and designs two concentric rings, inner and outer. After removing the tissue between the rings, the edges are sutured to reduce the diameter of the areola.
advantage:
① The incision is hidden and located at the edge of the areola;
② After suturing, the areola boundary is clear and the visual effect is natural.
shortcoming:
①Radial wrinkles may appear during suturing;
② When the suture tension is too high, it may cause scar hyperplasia or irregular areola shape.
To prevent postoperative expansion or suture failure, internal fixation techniques (such as the "circular permanent suture method") can be used.
2. Wedge resection
It is suitable for patients with mild to moderate enlargement of the areola. During the operation, a certain area of the areola is selected and V-shaped or wedge-shaped tissue resection is performed to complete the remodeling while preserving the nipple function and blood supply .
advantage:
① The operation is relatively simple and less invasive;
②. The change range is limited and suitable for locally irregular areola.
shortcoming:
① If the excision is asymmetrical, the areola edge may be uneven in shape;
②. Pigmentation deposition or scars are more likely to occur in areas where suture tension is concentrated.
3. Nipple and areola combined surgery
When the nipples are enlarged, too long, or the areola shape and nipple are out of proportion, nipple plastic surgery can be performed together.
This combined surgery is more effective in improving the overall coordination of the breast appearance , but it requires a comprehensive assessment of nipple blood supply and sensory nerves to avoid affecting breastfeeding function.
3. Postoperative Care and Recovery Management
Areola reduction surgery is a superficial tissue surgery, and the general recovery period is 1 to 3 weeks. In order to maintain the postoperative effect and reduce complications, postoperative care is particularly important:
Keep the incision clean and dry , and change the sterile dressing daily;
② Avoid pressure and pulling on the surgical area. It is recommended to wear soft underwear without underwire.
③. Take antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor to prevent infection;
④. Strictly prohibit smoking and drinking, and avoid spicy food, which will help wound healing;
⑤. Follow up regularly to observe the healing of the incision and the symmetry of the areola.
Some patients will experience slight redness, itching or temporary pigmentation of the areola after the operation , which will generally gradually subside after a few weeks. If there are signs of infection such as wound dehiscence, pus exudation, etc., medical treatment should be sought immediately.
4. Surgical Risks and Complications
Although areola reduction is a minor plastic surgery, the following problems may occur if it is not performed properly or with inadequate care:
Obvious incision scars or abnormal pigmentation : This may be caused by high suture tension and individual physical differences;
Areola asymmetry : caused by unreasonable preoperative design or suture deviation during operation;
Hypoesthesia : The areola area is rich in nerves, and operating too deep or removing too much may cause temporary or permanent changes in tactile sensation;
Nipple blood supply disorder : Especially in combined nipple plastic surgery, it is necessary to be more careful to protect the blood supply to the nipple.
Therefore, it is particularly important to choose qualified plastic surgeons and medical institutions.
5. Comprehensive consideration of psychological and aesthetic factors
Areola reduction surgery is not only about improving body shape, but also involves the patient's sense of identity and satisfaction with their own image. Before the operation, the doctor should fully understand the patient's aesthetic standards, motivations and psychological expectations to avoid psychological gaps or dissatisfaction after the operation due to blind pursuit of "standard beauty" .
At the same time, patients should be informed that the surgery will improve the external proportions and aesthetics, but will not change the functional properties of the breasts. For those who are planning to have children, it is recommended that they wait at least 6 months after surgery before becoming pregnant or breastfeeding.
Beauty Encyclopedia Tips:
Areola reduction surgery is a mature and relatively safe plastic surgery technique, suitable for patients with enlarged areola, unclear edges or poor appearance. Before undergoing the surgery, consultation and evaluation should be conducted through formal channels to clarify one's own needs and expected results. Proper postoperative care and follow-up visits will help restore the natural appearance of the breasts and enhance overall self-confidence. The final effect depends not only on the surgical technique, but also on postoperative lifestyle habits and individual differences. Only by choosing a scientific and rational way to improve body shape can we truly achieve the unity of health and beauty.