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Nipple & Areola Reduction For A Better Breast Appearance

Disproportionately large areolae can give your breasts an unbalanced appearance. Dr. Kasrai performs a procedure that reduces their size for better aesthetic balance.

The nipples and dark area surrounding them, known as the areolae, are primary features of your breasts. After all, can you imagine what your chest would like without either? They wouldn't be complete breasts. The size and shape of your nipples and areolae contribute greatly to the overall appearance of your breasts. That's why you aren't happy with how you look.

Whether due to genetics, trauma, aging or breastfeeding, your areolae and nipples are far too large and disproportionate. This makes your breasts look odd. They may even be misshapen or asymmetric. You feel uncomfortable exposing your breasts to anyone as a result. These are just some issues you may have:

  • long nipples
  • droopy nipples
  • enlarged areolae

All of these issues can be corrected with surgery.

For areolae/nipple puffiness, please note that Dr Kasrai can correct this issue in male patients only.

Nipple and areola reduction surgery

Your areolae and nipples can be reduced in size and/or modified to improve their shape so they appear more balanced. If asymmetry exists, it's fine to have just one side treated to balance things out.

According to medical research, an adult female has areolae with the average diameter of approximately 38.1 mm. However, that doesn't mean I create this size on all of my patients. I take into account your natural breast size/shape, your preferred look and what improvement would achieve the most proportionate result.

Unique point: minimal scarring

Scarring is a huge concern for my patients, which is why I have designed my surgical techniques to prevent any scars from spreading or reoccurring. I do this by strategically placing sutures that minimize scarring and, for areola reduction, reduce the risk of areola stretching out. This ensures that you won't have obvious signs of having any surgery done.

What will happen during your surgery

Local anesthesia is administered. Your procedure will take about an hour or so.

An incision is made in the nipple, or for areola reduction, around the areola. Excess tissue is removed through this incision. Sutures are placed and the incision is closed and dressed.

Recovering from your surgery

  • Restrictions on activity
  • Some swelling, bruising and numbness for a few weeks
  • Results are visible in a couple of months

Your surgery is performed under local anesthetic. That means you won't feel any side effects related to general anesthesia, such as nausea and dizziness. You'll even be able to drive yourself home. However, it's always best to have someone who you can trust help you during the initial recovery period. Even the simplest things can be quite difficult to do in the first day or two after your surgery, so you'll need their help.

The majority of swelling and bruising should disappear within a couple of weeks. It's important to know that one breast may heal faster than the other. Don't be alarmed if this happens. Residual swelling can last a couple of months. Any numbness and tingling sensations should go away as the swelling subsides.

You should be able to get back to work in a day or two, but make sure you avoid strenuous activity for at least three weeks.

You may need to wear a surgical bra for a few weeks.

Contact options

Enjoy a renewed sense of self.

Two of the most common factors that my patients say contributed to their enlarged nipples and areolae is pregnancy and aging. – Dr. Leila Kasrai

A proportionate breast appearance

You'll find that a reduction of your areolae and/or nipples with virtually invisible scarring gives your breasts a beautiful, harmonious appearance. You'll no longer feel embarrassed. You'll have a renewed sense of confidence that can positively affect your self perspective.

Woman with arm raised to show smooth area after axillary breast removal surgery.

Frequently asked questions about nipple and areola correction surgery

What is nipple and areola reduction surgery?

This surgery reduces the size of the nipple and/or areola. It can be done on one or both sides. The procedure may also fix asymmetry.

What causes stretched out nipples and areolae?

There are many reasons why these breast features change in shape and size. These reasons include aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight gain and trauma. Breast augmentation may also contribute to a slight stretching of the areolae depending on the size of the implants.

Am I a candidate?

The procedure is designed to address overly large nipples and/or areolae. Medically known as hypertrophy, this condition isn't a health risk however it can be aesthetically displeasing. You may be a candidate if you dislike the size or shape of your nipples and/or areolae. You should be generally healthy and have realistic expectations of the procedure. It is important that you also understand the risks related to the surgery. One notable risk is reduced sensitivity or numbness of the nipples. Breastfeeding difficulties may also arise.

What is the ideal nipple shape?

According to one study from the Canadian Journal of Plastic Surgery, the ideal nipple shape is that of a cylinder, with a tip that is in the shape of a dome. Projection should be within six to ten milimetres. However, you should know that I normally determine the ideal shape and size for you based on your unique breast measurements. The key is proportionate harmony that's right for you.

Can I have this performed at the same time as other breast surgery?

It is possible to have a nipple and areola correction performed at the same time as another cosmetic breast surgical procedure, such as breast augmentation. However, it is important that I discuss your goals and assess your concerns to determine if it is safe to do so. A study in the journal of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery has proven that combining both treatments is safe and practical. However, it is not always suitable, especially if the selected implant is larger in size.

Will insurance cover my surgery?

Generally speaking, nipple and areola reduction is not covered by insurance because it's considered purely cosmetic.

Is there a non-surgical option?

There is no FDA and Health Canada approved non-surgical treatment for nipple and areola hypertrophy. There may be products out there that claim to reduce size, however they have not been medically proven or researched as thoroughly as surgery.

I have small bumps on my areolae. Can I have them removed with this surgery?

It is possible to remove variations of colour or bumps along the edge of an areola.

My areolae are oval shaped. Can you make them rounder?

This procedure is an effective way to reshape your areolae, making them rounder.

Is there a limit to how small you can go?

There is no limit, however my goal is give you a proportionate looking breast.

How much does it cost to get nipple reduction in Toronto?

The cost depends on the extent of surgery. It can vary, starting from about $1000 for one and $2000 for both. Additional fees may incur to cover the cost of the facility and post-op garments.

Why is my areola so big?

The size of your areolae is typically determined by genetics. However, with weight fluctuations, aging and trauma, their size can change. It is typical for their size to increase with weight gain and aging, since these factors can cause them to stretch out.

How do you fix a protruding nipple?

Nipple projection can be modified with nipple reduction surgery. This procedure reduces the length and size of the nipple, so that it doesn't protrude as much.

How can I reduce my areola size?

Areola size can be reduced with areola reduction surgery. This procedure remove areola tissue by excision, making it smaller and more proportionate.

How can I reduce the size of my nipples naturally?

Nonsurgical options for nipple reduction are currently unavailable.

Risks

There are several risks related to nipple and areola reduction that you should consider when deciding on whether this surgery is suitable for you.

  • Infection
  • Wound separation
  • Permanent loss of sensitivity

In my experience, complications are extremely rare because I have refined my surgical techniques in an effort to prevent any problems from arising.

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