Areola Reduction

Areola reduction is usually performed on an outpatient basis. The procedure takes between 1 and 2 hours, and you can go home after the effects of the anaesthetic wear off.

After an incision is made around the nipple, some of the dark pigmented area of the areola is removed, and the incision is closed. You can take a shower and get back to normal activities within a few days following the surgery. Expect a follow-up visit to your surgeon after one week. You should see a difference in the shape and size of your areolas immediately following surgery.

The incision on the breast is small and the sutures dissolve, so there is no suture-removal process. The scars from this procedure are not usually prominent and will fade with time.

There is no special preparation required for this procedure. There are, however, several things you can do leading up to any kind of surgery.

There are also a number of  things you can do following any surgery.

There are special instructions to follow after areola reduction surgery to maintain the desired shape of the nipples and areola and ensure healing:

• Ice the area to reduce swelling.
• Avoid lifting anything weighing over 1 kg in the first few days.
• Avoid bending over or reaching above your head for a few days.
• Wear a support bra for the first 3 weeks following surgery.

As with any surgical procedure there are risks involved in areola reduction surgery. You should be fully aware of these before you elect to have the procedure. Make sure you familiarise yourself with the list of complications that can arise as a result of any surgery.

The best way to reduce risk is to find a fully qualified surgeon with formal training in areola reduction who has performed the procedure many times.

Specific complications that may occur after areola reduction surgery:

• Loss of sensitivity and numbness may occur during the healing period. Mostly this is temporary, but numbness may be permanent.
• Nipples may become uncomfortably sensitive.
• Your ability to breast-feed may be compromised.
• The two areolas may not be equal in size or are at different heights. These issues will require corrective surgery.
• Visible scarring and loss of pigmentation is possible and can be rectified with scar-fading treatments.

Just as you would discuss potential benefits before surgery, it is always advisable to ask your surgeon to address the potential risks that apply to you.

The cost of an areola reduction procedure can vary depending on the surgeon and the facilities used. Your surgeon will help you estimate potential costs.

You can expect to pay around $5,000 (AUD) for areola reduction surgery. This includes the surgeon’s and assistant surgeon’s fees, fees for the anaesthetist and the hospital cost.

Some Australian private health insurers may help pay for the hospital bed and theatre fees. Getting a doctor’s referral will enable you to make a claim on these costs.

You should expect the costs to be higher if you are having combined procedures at the same time

This information is correct as of 2013.