Areola Reduction

Consultations offered at our five convenient locations in Harley Street, London, Princess Margaret Hospital, (Windsor), Spire Thames Valley, (Gerrards Cross), Kings' Oak Hospital, (Enfield) and Refresh Medispa, (Amersham)

areola reduction, London

An areola reduction is a procedure that aims to reshape and reduce the size of the areolas, the darker-colored skin surrounding the nipple. Areolas naturally come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colours, but for some men and women, they can appear disproportionately large or asymmetrical, potentially impacting their confidence.

If you are interested in transforming the aesthetic appearance of your chest, look no further than Refresh by Fazel.

Dr Maisam Fazel is a leading Consultant Aesthetic, Oncoplastic, and Reconstructive Surgeon based out of London’s prestigious Harley Street. A leader in his industry, he has pioneered multiple innovative techniques and was awarded the Best National Oncoplastic Breast & Cosmetic Surgery Specialist in the 2019 Private Healthcare Awards.

To schedule a consultation at any one of our convenient London offices, please contact us online or call +44 330 660 0979.

Before & After Photos

Before and After Photos

About Areola Reductions

An areola reduction is a cosmetic procedure that is designed to reduce the diameter of the areola, creating a more symmetrical, proportional, and balanced appearance. The areola can come in a multitude of shapes and sizes, and can often be lopsided or uneven. (1) Additionally, many women may see changes in the appearance of their areolas due to factors such as ageing, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, and more. (2) Dr Fazel can perform this procedure as a standalone treatment or to complement another breast procedure.

Benefits of Areola Reduction

There are many benefits patients can experience after undergoing an areola reduction procedure. These benefits include:

  • Improved Aesthetics: Reshaping and resizing the areolas can create a more symmetrical, balanced appearance in the chest.
  • Enhanced Confidence: Patients who undergo areola reduction often report an increased level of self-esteem after seeing their results.
  • Minimal Scarring: Dr Fazel uses discreet placements to help minimise any visible scarring.
  • Customisable Treatment Options: This procedure can be fully customised to help each patient achieve their ideal chest aesthetic.

To learn more about how our areola reduction procedure may benefit you, please contact us online or call +44 330 660 0979.

Ideal Candidates

Ideal candidates for an areola reduction are typically men or women who are unhappy with the size or shape of their areola. Patients with wide or stretched areolas are recommended for this procedure, as well as those experiencing asymmetry. Additionally, individuals who feel self-conscious or uncomfortable regarding the appearance of their areola may find this treatment highly beneficial.

All candidates interested in an areola reduction procedure should be in good overall health, free from any underlying medical conditions that may impair the healing process. Interested patients should also be non-smoking or mentally prepared to quit until fully healed. Dr Fazel will determine each patient’s candidacy at their personal consultation.

Personal Consultation

The first step in each patient’s areola reduction is attending a personal consultation with Dr Fazel at any one of our convenient London offices. During this consultation, Dr Fazel will walk the patient through the details of the procedure and discuss their medical history, concerns, and treatment goals. He will then evaluate the condition of the nipple-areolar complex. After confirming their candidacy, Dr Fazel will prepare the patient’s personalised treatment plan. He will also provide pre-operative and post-operative instructions alongside a price quote.

To schedule your personal consultation, please contact us online or call +44 330 660 0979 to reach any one of our locations.

Preparation

Each patient will receive a set of preparation instructions so that they know how to properly prepare for their areola reduction. Patients should ensure they are following any instructions given to them by Dr Fazel or another member of our team to help promote optimal healing and results.

Patients may be advised to discontinue certain medications and supplements, especially those that contain blood-thinning properties. The use of nicotine, as well as the consumption of alcohol, should be ceased before the procedure to minimise any complications.

Procedure

Each procedure will begin with the cleansing and sanitising of the treatment area before the local anaesthetic is administered to ensure the patient’s comfort. Dr Fazel will then create a circular incision around the pigmented edge of the areola. He will carefully remove a portion of the outer edge of the skin, reducing the overall size of the areola, while simultaneously creating a neater appearance. After addressing any irregularities, he will carefully suture the incisions inward, further reshaping the areola to a smaller size and shape. Dr Fazel’s advanced techniques preserve both the functionality and underlying structures of the nipple-areolar complex. (2)

This procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and can take typically anywhere between 45-60 minutes to complete.

Recovery

Following their procedure, patients will be released home to continue resting. Dr Fazel will provide each patient with a set of recovery guidelines to instruct them on how to best take care of themselves. It is normal to experience some bruising and swelling in the breasts, but these effects will dissipate on their own. Any experienced discomfort can be managed through the use of pain medications under the guidance of Dr Fazel. Most patients can return to work the next day, but should avoid physical activity or other intensive tasks for at least one week or until approved by Dr Fazel.

Results

Patients will notice a significant difference following their procedure, but the full results will become more apparent as any residual swelling gradually subsides. Patients enjoy smaller, more symmetrical areolas, improving the overall proportions of the breasts. Additionally, refining the aesthetic appearance of the nipples can also lead to an overall enhancement in confidence and self-esteem. (2) The results of an areola reduction procedure are essentially permanent, but natural ageing, weight fluctuations, and other factors may impact results.

Corresponding Procedures

Several procedures can be performed alongside an areola reduction for a more comprehensive transformation. Popular corresponding treatments include breast augmentations, breast lifts, and breast reductions.

  • Breast Augmentation: Breast augmentation is a procedure designed to alter the shape, size, and volume of the breasts through the use of artificial implants.
  • Breast Lift: A breast lift is a procedure that is designed to physically reposition the breasts, creating a more lifted and youthful appearance. This procedure helps reduce sagging or drooping breast tissue, leaving a firmer and more proportional contour. This procedure is one of Dr Fazel’s most popular treatments.
  • Breast Reduction: A breast reduction is a procedure that aims to remove excess skin, fat, and tissue from the breasts to reduce their overall size. Many patients opt for this procedure to help alleviate back, neck, and shoulder pain caused by enlarged breasts.
  • Male Breast Surgery: Male breast surgery is a procedure that can be used to reduce enlarged breast tissue in men. This condition is called Gynaecomastia and can be caused by several factors, including medical conditions and hormone imbalances. (3)

To learn more about the wide array of procedures that can be complemented by an areola reduction, explore Dr Fazel’s blog!

Cost of an Areola Reduction in London, England

The cost of each patient’s areola reduction procedure can vary depending on multiple factors. Each procedure is fully customised to help address each patient’s concerns, making it difficult to provide an early estimate. The base price of each areola reduction is £3,450 before any customisation or additional fees. Dr Fazel will provide a full, written quote at each consultation once he has had a chance to craft each patient’s personalised procedure.

To unlock the full cost of your areola reduction, please call +44 330 660 0979 or contact us online, and a member of our team will be in contact shortly!

To learn more about our pricing, please refer to our price list.

FAQ

Are areola reductions only offered to women?

No, both men and women can receive an areola reduction if they are unsatisfied with the appearance of their chest. (3)

Will there be visible scarring after my areola reduction?

While there will be scarring, it is very minimal and discreetly placed. Any scarring can easily be hidden under clothing and will continue to fade significantly.

When will I be able to return to work after my areola reduction?

Patients can typically return to work the day after their procedure, however, those with more intensive or strenuous careers may need to wait several days before returning.

Will I be able to breastfeed after my areola reduction?

Many women are able to breastfeed after their procedure, but this is not recommended as breastfeeding or pregnancy can alter the results of the procedure. (2)

Can my areola reduction be combined with other procedures?

Yes, an areola reduction can be combined with many other procedures. We recommend pairing an areola reduction with any of our breast procedures for more comprehensive results.

References

  1. Wiesman IM, Rabin DA. Novel Percutaneous Areola Reduction. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2024;12(5):e5783. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000005783
  2. Trøstrup H, Saltvig I, Matzen SH. Current surgical techniques for nipple reduction: A literature review. JPRAS Open. 2019;21:48-55. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpra.2019.06.002
  3. Mustafa Keskin, Mustafa Sutcu, Mustafa Hanci, Bulent Cigsar. Reduction of the Areolar Diameter After Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction for Gynecomastia. Annals of Plastic Surgery. 2017;79(2):135-138. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/sap.0000000000000994