Areola Reduction Surgery Cost & Procedure Guide

Like breasts, areolas — the darker area surrounding the nipples — are all different. This is because of genetics and other factors, including age, pregnancy and weight fluctuations. Areolas come in different shapes, colors, textures and sizes.¹

People have their own preferences on how they like, or would like their areolas to look; interestingly, research shows that most people prefer the appearance of a smaller areola.² If you do, too, areola reduction surgery can give you the look you want.

Continue reading to learn more about areola reduction surgery, what to expect during and after and how much the procedure costs.

What is Areola Reduction Surgery?

Areola reduction surgery is a procedure that reduces the diameter of one or both areolas by making donut-shaped incisions around the areola, which are then sutured to tighten the skin around them. It can be performed on its own or alongside another plastic surgery procedure, such as breast augmentation or mommy makeover, to make the areolas smaller.³

How Much Does Areola Reduction Surgery Cost?

The average cost of areola reduction surgery is $3,500, but the cost can range upwards of $6,000, depending on various factors. Some things that may impact this price include:⁴

• Geographical location. Costs tend to be higher in major cities.
• Surgeon's credentials and expertise. Board-certified plastic surgeons with extensive training and experience typically charge more.
• Complexity of the surgery. This could include how much tissue is removed and whether you're having one or both areolas reduced.

Is areola reduction surgery covered by insurance?

Areola reduction surgery is considered cosmetic and is not usually covered by health insurance, but it doesn't hurt to check with your insurance provider. It may be covered in certain circumstances, such as when it's part of gynecomastia.⁵

Benefits of Areola Reduction Surgery

Cosmetic surgery can improve self-esteem and body image and make you feel more confident.⁶ Along with feeling better about your appearance, other benefits of areola reduction surgery include:

• A more balanced appearance to the areolas and breasts
• Better fit in certain types of clothing, such as swimwear, lingerie and open neckline styles
• Reduced discomfort during physical activity

Possible Candidates for Areola Reduction Surgery

Areola reduction may be used to improve the following issues:

• Enlarged areolas due to genetics or weight fluctuations
• Areolas that have stretched after pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Asymmetrical areolas
• Puffy or enlarged areolas from tuberous breast deformity
• Enlarged areolas in men from gynecomastia

Things To Consider Before Areola Reduction Surgery

Here are some important considerations before going ahead with areola reduction surgery.

Choose a qualified and experienced surgeon

Choose a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience performing areola reduction (and any other procedures you're considering). Having a skilled and qualified surgeon can help you achieve the best results and minimize the risk of complications.⁴

Make the most of the consultation

The consultation process is meant to provide you the opportunity to vet the surgeon and facility, as well as discuss your goals for surgery and ask any questions you have. This time is also used to go over your medical history to make sure you're a good candidate for surgery.

Understand the risks and potential complications

No surgery is entirely without risk, so it's important to have a good understanding of the potential complications, even if the risk is low.

Though areola reduction surgery is typically considered safe, the following are risks that your surgeon should explain to you:³

• Infection is always a possibility when you have an incision, but following proper aftercare instructions can help reduce the risk.
• Scarring around your new areola is to be expected, but it will fade over time and can be further improved with scar reduction treatments, if you choose.
• Temporary changes in sensation over the areola are possible, and can be permanent in some cases.
• Inability to breastfeed due to milk duct damage is a rare but possible complication of areola reduction surgery, and the reason doctors often recommend putting off this surgery until a person has finished having children.

What Happens During Areola Reduction Surgery?

Areola reduction surgery is typically an outpatient procedure, which means you'll be able to go home the same day. As long as you're not having another procedure done at the same time, areola reduction surgery takes about an hour.

Here's a general overview of the areola reduction procedure:

1. You will be given a local anesthetic and possibly IV sedation to keep you pain-free and relaxed during the procedure.
2. The surgeon will use a circular metal device to measure your “new" areola.
3. An incision will be made around the perimeter of your current and new areolas, and the donut-shaped portion of excess tissue will be carefully removed.
4. Your new, smaller areolas are then stitched with permanent sutures inside your breast tissue and the incisions closed with sutures.
5. The area will be bandaged and you might be placed in a special surgical bra-type garment for support while you heal.
6. Once your sedation wears off, you will be able to go home.