What to know about areola reduction surgery in Korea

Do you know that the harmony between the size of the breasts, nipples, and areola (darker skin area surrounding your nipples) is actually what gives your breasts its truly beautiful shape and attractive appearance?

In other words, having disproportionately large areola and nipples upset the aesthetic balance of your breasts and even make your breasts look smaller than it actually is, regardless how perfect your breast size may be.

In fact, many women who are unsatisfied with the size and appearance of their breasts tend to combine areola reduction and nipple reduction with breast enhancement surgery for a complete breast makeover. That said, it could also be a standalone procedure for those who are happy with their breast size.

What is the ideal size for areola?

Aesthetically, the ideal width (diameter) of your areola should be 3.5~4.5cm. Your areola is considered big when its area is bigger than 1/3 of the size of your breasts.

That said, there is no one size fits all. Your ideal areola size still depends on your preferences, nipple size, size of breasts as well as breast size in proportion to your height and weight overall.

What is areola reduction surgery?

Large areolas could be caused by genetics, aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, hormonal changes as well as weight gains and losses.

Areola reduction surgery is a cosmetic procedure that helps decrease the size of your areolas and/or tighten drooping areolas to create a more symmetrical appearance to your breasts. Areola reduction is suitable for those with:

• Large areolas
• Irregularly shaped areolas
• Drooping areolas
• Areolas which are asymmetrical

More often than never, many women tend to go for a complete breast enhancement makeover which could include breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction or nipple reduction surgery. In fact, it is pretty common for nipple reduction surgery to go hand in hand with areola reduction surgery.

Areola reduction surgery procedure

First, your surgeon will make an incision and remove a circular piece of the outer areolar tissue. The skin surrounding the areola will then be sutured to the new areolar border, thereby reducing the size of your actual areola.

How long does areola reduction surgery take?

Areola reduction surgery in Korea is a relatively fast and simple procedure which lasts 30 mins, and is performed under local anesthesia so you will not feel any pain.

When can I see results?

Results from areola reduction surgery are almost immediate and permanent, though there will be minor swelling for 1~2 weeks. Your entire areola area will be taped up after the surgery but will be removed when your stitches are removed.

Do leave the tape on until instructed as it helps prevent further swelling and keeps the position of your new areola. You will also be given an ointment to be applied on the scars for a 3~4 days after the stitches are removed.

Actual recovery time vary among individuals, and is subjected to one’s health condition & healing response.

How long should I stay in Korea?

Areola reduction surgery in Korea is a minor surgery so hospitalization is not required. But do stay until your stitches are removed, and go shopping in the meantime!

Stitch removal

Stitches are usually removed 7 days after surgery.

Cautions on stitch removal

If you remove the stitches earlier then advised, your wound might reopen. Hence, causing an infection. But if you remove it too late, you risk further scarring and pigmentation. So, keep to all dates diligently.

Sometimes due to time constraints, you might consider having your stitches removed at the local hospitals in your home country.

Although it is possible (but not recommended), it depends on how well you have been healing and is also subjected to doctor’s approval.

Alternatives to areola reduction surgery

Sadly, there are no other alternatives to areola reduction surgery. That said, depending on your current breast size and shape though, sometimes, getting bigger breasts or a breast lift could be a better solution to help reduce the appearance and droopiness of your large areolas.

What other surgery complements areola reduction surgery?

1. Breast augmentation

Having small breasts with large areolas and nipples do not make beautiful breasts and can in fact, make your breast size appear smaller than it really is. In such cases, getting breast augmentation could be the best solution to your breast problems.

2. Breast reduction surgery

Having breast sizes that are too large for your body can make your areolas appear too large as well as present health problems such as body aches and drooping breasts. In such cases, you might want to consider breast reduction surgery at the same time while reducing your areola size.

3. Breast lift

If your breasts are sagging and losing their firmness, consider a breast lift surgery to reshape and lift them for a firmer, rounder and younger look.

4. Nipple reduction surgery

Apart from the size of your areola, the shape and size of your nipple also plays a part in defining how aesthetically looking your breasts are. If the size of your nipples are not proportionate to breast size, you might want to consider nipple reduction surgery.

5. Inverted nipple correction surgery

Having inverted nipples not only makes your breasts look less attractive, but can also cause functionality and hygiene problems. If you are suffering from inverted nipples, fix it with inverted nipple correction surgery.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, beauty is subjective and having a large areola is perfectly normal. It’s all down to your preferences. And if you really don’t like the size and look of your breasts, we say do whatever that pleases you. If getting breast enhancements can make you feel better about yourself and boosts your self-confidence, there is no reason why not.

That said, areola reduction surgery is still afterall, irreversible. Therefore, make sure that you really want the surgery before getting it. And above all, make sure to get a professional surgeon who is highly skilled in breast surgeries for the best results!