Areola reduction surgery, also known as areolaplasty, is a cosmetic surgery that uses surgical means to reduce the diameter of the areola to improve the beauty and symmetry of the breast. As people pay more and more attention to the aesthetics of breast morphology, this surgery has gradually become popular among some people seeking beauty. However, although areola reduction surgery is a conventional plastic surgery, it is still an invasive operation in nature, with certain surgical risks and complications. This article will conduct an in-depth discussion from four aspects: surgical principles, common risks, influencing factors and postoperative care, aiming to provide a reference for clinicians and patients.
1. Principles and indications of surgery
Areola reduction surgery usually involves circular excision of excess tissue around the areola and re-suturing the areola to a predetermined size. Common techniques include periareolar excision and purse-string suture. The latter helps reduce scar tension and maintain the shape of the areola. Indications mainly include congenitally enlarged areola, postpartum or post-lactation areola expansion, and areola asymmetry after breast plastic surgery.
2. Common risks of areola reduction surgery
Although areola reduction is a low-risk superficial surgery, its potential complications cannot be ignored, mainly including the following categories:
Infect
Postoperative infection is one of the common risks in plastic surgery, which is more likely to occur when aseptic operation is not strict or postoperative care is improper. The infection may cause local redness, swelling, pain, exudation, and even skin necrosis.
Bleeding and hematoma
If hemostasis is not adequate during surgery or there is excessive activity in the early postoperative period, bleeding or hematoma may occur, which will not only affect wound healing but also cause local tissue compression and necrosis.
Scar hyperplasia and pigmentation
Postoperative scars are inevitable. Due to individual differences, some patients may develop hypertrophic scars or keloids, which affect their appearance. At the same time, pigment changes in the areola area are also common, which may manifest as hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation.
Nipple blood flow disorder
If the surgical scope is too large, it may affect the blood supply of the nipple-areola complex, and in severe cases may even cause local necrosis or nipple detachment. Such complications are more common in patients who undergo other breast surgeries (such as breast reduction).
Paresthesias
The areola area is rich in nerves, and small nerve branches may be damaged during surgery, resulting in sensory abnormalities such as numbness, tingling, decreased sensitivity or pain after the operation. Some of these symptoms are temporary and some may be permanent.
Asymmetrical nipple position or retracted areola
If the suture is improper or the tension is poorly controlled during the operation, it may cause nipple deviation, areola asymmetry, or retraction of the areola edge after surgery, affecting the postoperative appearance.
Factors Affecting Surgical Risk
Individual anatomical differences
The breast tissue structure, blood vessel distribution and skin elasticity vary among individuals, which affects the difficulty of the surgical operation and postoperative recovery.
Surgical plan selection and doctor experience
Experienced plastic surgeons are better able to develop appropriate surgical plans based on individual conditions, reasonably control the size of surgical wounds and suture tension, and thus reduce the incidence of complications.
Postoperative care compliance
Whether the patient follows the doctor's instructions on changing dressings, limiting activities, avoiding infection, etc. after surgery will directly affect the quality of postoperative recovery. Good care can effectively prevent most early complications.
Combined underlying diseases
Diseases such as diabetes, coagulation disorders, and autoimmune diseases significantly increase the risk of infection, bleeding, or poor wound healing, and require a thorough evaluation before surgery.
IV. Postoperative care points
Keep the incision clean and dry
The dressing needs to be changed regularly after the operation to prevent the incision from getting damp and prevent bacterial infection. If exudation or odor occurs, seek medical attention immediately.
Limit upper limb movement and avoid friction
Avoid strenuous exercise within 1-2 weeks after surgery to reduce tension on the surgical site. At the same time, wear a soft, breathable bra without underwire.
Rational use of medicines and nutritional support
After the operation, the doctor will usually prescribe antibiotics and painkillers, and the patient needs to take them on time. At the same time, he should consume foods rich in protein and vitamins to promote tissue repair.
Regular follow-up examination
Regular follow-up visits after surgery as directed by the doctor to monitor wound healing, scar formation, etc. will help detect and treat abnormalities early.
5. Psychological and aesthetic expectation management
In addition to physiological risks, psychological preparation and communication are also extremely important. Some patients have too high expectations for the postoperative areola shape. If the postoperative effect does not meet expectations, they are prone to anxiety or dissatisfaction. Before the operation, the doctor should communicate fully to help patients establish reasonable aesthetic expectations and improve postoperative satisfaction.
Beauty Encyclopedia Tips:
Although areola reduction surgery is becoming increasingly mature in technology, it still falls within the scope of plastic surgery and needs to be treated with caution. Before the operation, you should choose a regular medical institution and a qualified plastic surgeon for detailed evaluation and communication. At the same time, you need to strictly follow the nursing instructions after the operation, closely observe the recovery of the incision, treat plastic surgery scientifically, and rationally pursue beauty, which is the key to achieving safety and beauty.