Is Breast Surgery and Areola Reduction Right for You?

The breasts can be a sensitive issue for women and, although a woman’s breasts do not define her as a person, the way a woman feels about her breasts can impact her confidence and self-esteem. Whether a woman feels her breasts are too small, too large, or has insecurities regarding the size of her areolas, breast surgery may be able to help. If you are unhappy with the appearance of your breasts, we welcome you to schedule a consultation with San Francisco plastic surgeon Kimberly A. Henry. In the meantime, learn more about breast surgery, including areola reduction, in this overview from Dr. Henry.

Improving Breast Appearance

There are a variety of breast surgery options to improve the appearance of the breasts and address the specific needs of each patient. Some breasts surgeries may be performed in combination with others to improve shape, size, and overall appearance. The type of surgery, or surgeries, suitable to your needs is best determined between you and a highly skilled plastic surgeon, like Dr. Henry. When deciding on a treatment plan, it is important to have realistic goals and expectations and a clear idea of your desired results. The following are some breast surgery options you may want to consider.

Breast Lift

Breast lift surgery, also called mastopexy, helps improve the appearance of sagging breasts through the removal of excess breast skin. The breast tissue is also tightened to help reshape and lift the breast, creating a more youthful, rejuvenated appearance. Although a breast lift alone won’t increase the size of the breasts, it may be performed in combination with breast augmentation to both lift and increase the fullness of the breasts.

Breast Reduction

Women who find the size of their breasts uncomfortable, or feel insecure due to oversized breasts, may benefit from breast reduction. Breast reduction can help bring the breasts to a more proportionate size through the surgical removal of excess breast tissue and skin. Breast reduction can also help alleviate shoulder and back pain caused by large breasts.

Breast Augmentation

Patients wishing to have larger or fuller breasts may benefit from breast augmentation. Breast augmentation may also be used to correct asymmetric breasts or reconstruct the breasts after a mastectomy. Breast augmentation uses silicone or saline-filled implants to enlarge or reshape the breasts.

Areola Reduction

Large areolas can be a source of insecurity, looking disproportionate to the surrounding breast. Fortunately, large areolas can be corrected with areola reduction surgery. Areola reduction is a simple procedure in which excess areola tissue is removed through incisions around the base of the nipple or around the outside of the areola itself. Areola reduction may be performed in conjunction with other breast surgeries, like breast lifts or reductions, to improve the overall appearance of the breasts.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are unhappy with the appearance of your breasts, breast surgery may be right for you. To find out more about your treatment options, we welcome you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Henry.