Areola Reduction

Areola reduction surgery is performed by removing a circular area of the outer brown area of the areola. The skin surrounding this is then brought inwards in a purse string fashion to surround the areola. Absorbable stitches inside the areola are used to reduce the diameter and, in most cases, a permanent stitch placed deeply in the tissues to prevent widening of the areola occurring following surgery. To begin with, it is usual to have ruckling of the skin but this will settle over time and accelerated by regular massage of the scars. By using the permanent stitch it is very unlikely that you would get further widening of the areola and your nipples and the areola should stay in a smaller position.

The benefits of areola reduction are a permanent reduction in the size of the areola with scarring limited to the junction of the brown skin and the surrounding normal skin of the nipple.

The procedure can be performed under either local or general anaesthetic as a day case, has a minimum down time and also has the other advantage of tightening up the breast skin.

You will be able to return to sedentary activities (i.e. an office job or light duties) after a couple of days. Heavy physical activities and contact sports can be resumed following your post-surgery appointment with Mr Banwell.

These operations have a high success rate, but, as everyone is different and the treatment plan will be individualized to every patient, the likely outcome you will obtain will be discussed directly with you.