Nipple and Areola Reduction Dr. Michael J. Yoo Beverly Hills

Nipple and areola reduction is a specialized breast surgery that enhances breast appearance by reducing the size of the nipples and surrounding areolas. (1)

The nipple-areola complex plays a crucial role in the overall aesthetics of the breast. Disproportionately large or asymmetrical areolas and nipples can affect self-esteem and body image. Nipple and areola reduction surgery involves precise surgical techniques to decrease the size of the areola, reduce nipple projection, and/or address asymmetry. For this procedure, it is important to receive care from someone who specializes in breast enhancement.

Dr. Michael J. Yoo, a board-certified plastic surgeon with offices in Beverly Hills and Newport Beach, offers expertly performed nipple and areola reduction procedures for patients looking to improve the shape, size, or projection of their nipples. With years of experience and a deep understanding of breast aesthetics, Dr. Yoo and his team provide results that are both natural-looking and confidence-boosting.

If you are interested in exploring your treatment options, schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Yoo by calling either our Beverly Hills location at (424) 209-9925, our Newport Beach office at (949) 861-3340, or contacting us online. We also offer virtual appointments.

About Nipple and Areola Reduction

Nipple and areola reduction surgery is a specialized cosmetic procedure aimed at resizing and reshaping the nipple-areola complex to achieve a more proportionate and aesthetically pleasing breast appearance. This surgery addresses concerns such as enlarged areolas, protruding nipples, or asymmetry, which may result from genetics, weight fluctuations, hormonal changes, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or aging. This procedure is a form of breast enhancement, which, as a whole, has seen a rise in popularity in recent years. (2)

Benefits

Nipple and areola reduction can deliver many benefits, including:

  • Enhanced Breast Appearance: A reduction can help create harmonious proportions between the nipple, areola, and breast.
  • Improved Symmetry: For patients with asymmetrical breasts or nipples, this procedure can help achieve better balance and uniformity.
  • Greater Confidence: Patients often report feeling more confident about their bodies following surgery, leading to an improved self-image.
  • Long-Lasting Results: Nipple and areola reductions generally provide permanent results, allowing long-term satisfaction with aesthetic improvements. It is important to keep in mind that subtle changes may occur over time due to the natural processes of aging.
  • Minimized Scarring: Skilled techniques result in discreet scarring, allowing for an aesthetically pleasing post-surgery appearance.

Nipple and areola reduction is associated with high patient satisfaction. (3)

To experience these benefits for yourself, schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Yoo and his team by calling either our Beverly Hills location at (424) 209-9925, our Newport Beach office at (949) 861-3340, or contacting us online. We would be happy to accommodate you with a virtual appointment, if necessary.

Ideal Candidates

Multiple factors will determine whether or not someone is an ideal candidate for nipple and areola reduction, and Dr. Yoo will ultimately establish your eligibility during your personal consultation. Candidates who benefit most from these procedures usually:

  • Feel self-conscious about the size, projection, or shape of their nipples or areolas
  • Have asymmetry between their nipples or areolas
  • Have enlarged areolas following weight gain, pregnancy, or breastfeeding
  • Are in overall good health and do not smoke

Additionally, this treatment does not just appeal to women. Dr. Yoo can perform nipple and areola reduction on men who are looking to enhance their chest aesthetic.

Consultation

Your nipple and areola reduction journey will begin with a personal consultation. During this meeting, Dr. Yoo will take the time to get to know you by listening to your concerns and evaluating the current appearance of your nipples and areolas. He will discuss your goals, assess your breast anatomy, and recommend a personalized treatment plan customized to your needs. You’ll also learn more about surgical technique options, potential scarring, and how your results will complement the rest of your body.

To schedule your consultation, call our Beverly Hills location at (424) 209-9925, our Newport Beach office at (949) 861-3340, or contact us online to schedule a virtual appointment.

Preparation

In preparation for your procedure, Dr. Yoo and his team will provide you with a comprehensive list of instructions. You may be asked to stop taking certain medications or supplements, especially those with blood-thinning properties. Dr. Yoo will also advise you to quit using nicotine and alcohol in the weeks before your procedure. Although most patients return home on the day of their treatment, it is recommended that you arrange for transportation home from Dr. Yoo’s office. Following all preparation instructions closely will help ensure a smooth procedure with optimal results.

Procedure

The details of each nipple and areola reduction will vary depending on the patient and their unique goals, and Dr. Yoo will walk you through the details of your treatment once they have been established. The procedure begins by administering local anesthesia to ensure your comfort. For areola reduction, Dr. Yoo will make a circular incision around the perimeter of the areola and remove excess skin to achieve the desired size. He will then close the incision with sutures, resulting in a scar that blends with the natural border of the areola.

Nipple reduction may involve Dr. Yoo removing a wedge-shaped section of tissue to decrease height or width, and follow this by carefully suturing the area to maintain a natural contour. In cases of inverted nipples, Dr. Yoo may release tethering fibers and secure the nipple in an outward position. Nipple and areola reduction treatments typically last around one hour, assuming no additional treatments are performed.

Recovery

The recovery phase will look different for each patient, as each nipple and areola reduction procedure is tailored uniquely to the individual. Dr. Yoo will provide you with detailed postoperative instructions following your procedure to ensure you heal properly. You can expect to return home the same day of your procedure, although you may experience mild swelling, bruising, and tenderness, which will gradually subside over the first few weeks. Dr. Yoo will monitor your healing during scheduled follow-up visits. Most patients can resume light activity within a few days and return to full activity within 3-4 weeks.

Results

Nipple and Areola Reduction Dr. Michael J. Yoo Beverly Hills

You will likely see an immediate improvement in the size and shape of your nipples or areolas and continue to notice more refined results as swelling decreases. Once you are fully healed, you can expect the final results to be long-lasting. Patients often report greater comfort in their clothing, improved breast balance, and enhanced confidence in their appearance.

Corresponding Procedures

It is common for large nipples or areolas to coincide with large breasts. Patients with enlarged breasts may want to include nipple or areola reduction in a breast reduction procedure. These treatments remove excess tissue to decrease the size of the breasts, which helps patients overcome embarrassment, back pain, limited clothing options, and more. Men with enlarged breasts can address this with a gynecomastia treatment. Additionally, patients may also want to rejuvenate their breasts, which can be achieved through a breast lift, which raises the breasts to a higher position.

Cost of Nipple and Areola Reduction in Orange County, Irvine, and Beverly Hills

The cost of nipple or areola reduction will depend on whether it is performed alone or in combination with other procedures, as well as the complexity of the corrections needed. Dr. Yoo will provide a personalized quote after your consultation and will be happy to answer any questions you have related to pricing.

Schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Yoo and his team by calling either our Beverly Hills location at (424) 209-9925, our Newport Beach office at (949) 861-3340, or contacting us online to schedule a virtual appointment.

FAQ

How long does nipple or areola reduction surgery take?

Most nipple and areola reduction surgeries take roughly one hour to complete when performed alone, though combined procedures may take longer.

Will there be visible scars from nipple or areola reduction?

Scars are typically well-hidden along the natural edge of the areola or within the nipple structure and fade significantly over time with proper care.

Can nipple and areola reduction be combined with other breast surgeries?

Yes, many patients choose to have nipple or areola reduction done along with a breast lift, augmentation, or reduction for comprehensive results.

Will I lose nipple sensation during reduction?

Temporary changes in sensation are possible, but permanent loss is rare when performed by a skilled surgeon using refined surgical techniques.

Is nipple and areola reduction only for women?

No. Nipple and areola reduction can be performed on both men and women seeking aesthetic improvements or relief from physical discomfort.

References

  1. Bitik O, Uzun H, Zins JE. Nipple areola reconstructing reduction mammaplasty. Aesthetic surgery journal. 2013;33(8):1129-1137. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/1090820X13510929
  2. ASPS. American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Endorsed Partner.; 2023. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2023/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2023.pdf
  3. 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