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How Can I Improve the Appearance of My Nipples and Areolas?

A nude woman covers her areolas and nipples.
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For many women, feeling confident and comfortable in their skin involves more than just the size and shape of their breasts. Concerns may also include the appearance of their areolas and nipples. Common requests for improvement include reducing areola size, improving areola symmetry, raising their position, and correcting inverted nipples.

This article explores some common procedures that can enhance the appearance of the nipples and areolas.

Large or Asymmetric Areolas and Areola Reduction Surgery

For women who have areolas larger than they desire or where one is noticeably larger than the other, there is a simple procedure that can reduce their size.

Areola reduction surgery

This surgical procedure is designed to reduce the size of the areola(s). It is commonly performed in conjunction with other breast surgeries, like a breast reduction or a breast lift (mastopexy).

During areola reduction, a board-certified plastic surgeon typically makes an incision around the perimeter of the areola and then removes a precisely determined donut-shaped section of tissue. By doing so, the diameter of the areola is reduced to the desired size. This also allows for achieving better symmetry between the two areolas.

Meticulous wound closure can yield a scar that is virtually inconspicuous.

Breast Lift Surgery for Nipple and Areola Improvement

Breast lift surgery, also known as mastopexy, is a cosmetic procedure designed to lift and reshape the breasts–addressing sagging, contour issues, and loss of firmness. It also entails elevating the nipple-areola complexes to a more appropriate position on the breast mount and chest wall, yielding a more youthful appearance.

This procedure can also correct asymmetry between the nipple-areola complexes, ensuring that they are aligned and proportionate with each other and the surrounding breast tissue.

In situations where the only area of concern regarding the breasts are nipple-areola complexes that are deemed to be too large, they can be reduced in size as an isolated procedure. This is performed using only a local anesthetic.

Surgery to Correct Inverted Nipples

Inverted nipple surgery is the procedure designed to correct nipples that are retracted or inverted, meaning that they not only do not project but are actually restrained inward on the areola.  This issue can occur as a result of breastfeeding, trauma, congenital conditions, or breast cancer.

Treatment of inverted nipples entails the division of tissue that is tethering the nipple inward. This is done through a very small incision made at the base of the nipple. Usually, some sutures are placed to stabilize the nipple in its new position and prevent it from retracting again.

Benefits of Surgery for Nipple and Areola Improvement

If you struggle with any of the above concerns, breast procedures such as areola reduction, inverted nipple correction, breast lift and breast reduction surgery can provide the aesthetically pleasing breast appearance you desire.

When to Consider Nipple and Areola Improvement Surgery

You may consider nipple and areola improvement surgery if you are bothered by the following:

Nipple and Areola Surgery in Phoenix, AZ

The first step in the areola reduction or nipple enhancement process is a consultation with an experienced and highly reputable board-certified plastic surgeon. Consider Scottsdale’s Dr. Steven Turkeltaub, who specializes in breast surgery and is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Take your first step to achieving your desired breast, areola, and nipple aesthetic by calling 480.451.3000 and scheduling a consultation today!