Areola reduction

Areola ReductionFor some women, disproportionately large or asymmetric areolas can affect confidence, self-esteem and create fear of intimacy. Women report being self-conscious while getting changed, anxiety during intimacy and having the thought they are abnormal.

Areola reduction is a quick procedure which removes the excess pigmented skin around the nipple. The surgery is performed under local anaesthetic and involves an incision around the perimeter of the areola and removal of excess areola tissue. Sutures are used to close the wound and dressings placed over the breasts.

The result of areola reduction is long-lasting, however one must bear in mind that your breasts may droop and deflate over time as a natural result of ageing.

Recovery after areola reduction

You can shower 72 hours after surgery. All the stitches are dissolving. The dressings stay on for 1 week. Gentle exercise can be resumed after 4 weeks and strenuous exercise after 6 weeks.

Like all surgical procedures, there are risks associated with areola reduction. These include;

Scars / poor scarring
Infection
Bleeding
Asymmetry (the two areolas may not match exactly)
The areola can stretch again over time, especially after breast enlargement
Uneven colour at the edge of the areola
Changes in nipple sensation – usually temporary, but some loss of feeling may be permanent

Medically reviewed by

Mr Vasu Karri

BSc(Hons), MBBS, MRCS, MSc, FRCS(Plast)
Consultant Plastic Surgeon

Last updated 30th September 2026

Related Procedures

Inverted Nipple Correction

Inverted nipples can be corrected with a minimal-scarring, quick, local anaesthetic procedure.

Breast Reduction

Also known as reduction mammaplasty, serves to reduce the size and weight of a woman's breasts.

Breast Asymmetry Surgery

Correction of a breast deformity can have a profound positive impact on psychological wellbeing and sexuality.