Areola Reduction Surgery
Northern Virginia
Breast Surgery
Areola Reduction Surgery
Reduces the size of the breast areola
The areola is the pink circular base upon which the nipple sits. The size of the areola can be highly variable but averages about 4 cm in diameter in a young woman and typically will increase in size with time, age, pregnancies, and weight gain.
Just like any anatomic feature, the areola can be or become disproportionately large compared to the breast. A woman might consider an areola reduction if she thinks the size is too large compared to her breast size.
Reducing the size of the areola is a a normal part of any breast lift or breast reduction procedure. Other women, who might naturally have abnormally large with proportionally smaller breasts may benefit from a simple independant areola reduction.
The average diameter of the areola measures approximately 40 mm. This number serves as the baseline measurement goal for the size of the proposed areola.
The technique used for areola reduction depends on the size of the woman’s areola relative to the 40 mm diameter goal size of the new areola.
At Aesthetica we use two techniques:
A Donut Mastopexy, which is performed by simply cutting a circular “donut” of extra areola skin from around a smaller areola if the difference between the two sizes is not more than about 1 centimeter. This procedure can usually be performed under local anesthesia without having to be put to sleep.
A Lollipop Mastopexy ( breast lift ) is performed if the size discrepancy between a woman’s areola is more than about 1 cm than the goal size of about 40 mm in diameter. This procedure will usually be performed under IV or general anesthesia.
The size of the areola will usually increase with anything that increases the size of the breast. Examples include time, age, pregnancy, breast feeding, weight gain, and weight loss.
Increase in size of the breasts and gravity will result in sagging over time. By the time women chose to have a breast lift they have found their aerolas have also increased in size or changed shape. Combining aerola reduction with a breast lift creates breasts that are firmer, perkier and younger looking.
Areola reduction is performed by first deciding if the areola complex needs to be raised to accommodate breast sagging. The new higher location is marked.
A circle is cut around the existing areola. A second smaller circle with the size of the new areola is cut. The areola skin between the two cuts is removed. The inner rim incision is then hand sewn to the outer rim producing the new areola.
The whole procedure takes around an hour and will usually be performed under local anaesthetic.
The most common complaint after areola reduction is for widening of the scar. This is particularly true if there is too much tension on the the scar. The most common reason for too much tension on the scar is when the size discrepancy of the new areola size and the old areola is too great resulting in increasing tension.
Areola reduction is a minor procedure that is usually performed under local anesthesia. That means you do not have to be put to sleep and you will not feel any of the side effects related to general anesthesia.
- Long acting anesthesia is used so that you will experience only minimal discomfort.
- Sutures are mostly absorbable. Any nonabsorbable sutures will be removed in 7 to 14 days.
- Swelling and bruising: Swelling and bruising are usually minimal. However, any existing swelling and bruising will take up to 3 to 6 months to resolve.
- Final shape and form: Final breast shape and form should not be expected for 6 months to a year
- Scar quality: Optimal scar quality may take 1 to 1.5 years to achieve
- Return to work: most patients can expect to return to work in 2-3 days.
Areola Reduction
Starts at $3500
- Price does not include facility fees
- Procedure will take 1 to 2 hours
- This is an outpatient procedure
- Most patients will want 1 to 3 days off work
- Popular additions: Breast lift
- Popular additions: Nipple reduction
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Areola Reduction in Northern Virginia
Dr. Phillip Chang is a leading plastic surgeon in Loudoun County who specializes in surgical and nonsurgical cosmetic procedures for the breast, body, face, and skin. He is board certified in plastic surgery by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is the founder of Aesthetica Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center in Leesburg, VA. Dr. Chang is dedicated to providing high-quality service that concentrates on the unique needs and concerns of his patients. He believes combining attentive care and minimally invasive techniques is the best avenue for achieving beautiful, natural-looking results. Dr. Chang is thrilled to be serving the greater northwest area of Washington, D.C. with top cosmetic care that is dependable and trustworthy.
Interested in learning more about Dr. Chang? Click here.
We are based in Leesburg, VA. Located as part of the Lansdowne medical complex, you have access to our 24-7 state-of-the-art facility as well as access to Lansdowne hospital. We are based directly across the road from INOVA hospital. There is ample parking, elevators to bring you to our third floor offices, and welcoming staff to sign you in.
We are proud of our surgeries and cosmetic procedures and love that our patients are happy too. They like to shout it out on Google, Yell, Facebook, and right here on our website. Check out our reviews here.
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All potential patients receive either a phone, virtual, or in-consultation for free.
During the consultation we will discuss your treatment wishes and expectations. This is the time to ask us lots of questions to really understand what is involved, what the costs will be, and what is expected of you. This is also a great time to get to know Dr. Chang.
Aesthetica has received numerous awards from the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce, New Beauty, Best of Loudoun, Posh 7 Top Picks, and Dr. Chang is internationally known for his lectures and advances in precise surgical technique as demonstrated through his unique mini-facelift procedure.
We have three execeptionally talents cosmetic nurses:
- Melanie Schwarz, RN, BSN
- Katy Down, RN, BSN
- Angela Westbrook, RN, BSN
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