WHAT IS AREOLAR REDUCTION?
Areolar reduction is the surgical procedure that entails reducing the diameter of the areola (the colored part that surrounds the actual nipple). Some women may have larger than average areolar complexes that can be disproportionate to both the nipple size and the breast size. By performing this relatively simple procedure under local anesthesia, a woman can achieve a more uniform, symmetric and aesthetically enhanced breast and nipple appearance.
WHAT DOES AREOLAR REDUCTION SURGERY ENTAIL?
Areolar reduction surgery can be done under local anesthesia. It usually takes anywhere between 30 minutes to two hours.
This procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia and is done in an outpatient setting.
WHAT IS THE POST-OPERATIVE ADVICE AND CARE AFTER AREOLAR REDUCTION SURGERY?
– Day Surgery
Most patients after areolar reduction surgery will be released (depending on your medical condition and health state) home to continue their recovery.
– Bandages
Dr. Sinno and his team will apply a special dressing and initial bandages that should be kept dry and clean for the first week. At that point, the bandages will be removed and your post-operative state will be evaluated.
Wearing bras should be avoided until the first bandages are removed.
– Showers and Washing
The bandages usually are removed within a week after surgery. Dr. Sinno recommends that all bandages should remain dry and clean after your surgery until your first follow-up appointment. Showers should be avoided until authorized by Dr. Sinno. This is usually after all bandages are removed at the first port-operative visit. Until then, sponge baths are recommended.
White non-scented shampoo and soap are recommended to be used along with running water on the incisions, after the bandages are removed and when given medical authorization to do so.
– Activity and Exercise
You will be advised to refrain from moving your arms above your shoulders immediately following your breast procedure. This is usually advised for a two-week period.
Dr. Sinno recommends that patients refrain from all activities that may increase heart rate or blood pressure, including exercise, sexual activity, stressful situations, etc. in the first week after surgery.
However, it is recommended that patients walk and perform their usual activities within the limitation of the medical advice given and their tolerance to their comfort. No lifting more than 10 lbs. (4 kg) is recommended, for at least two weeks after the surgery.
Sleeping on your stomach should be avoided for at least two weeks after surgery.
– Driving
It is recommended that patients do not drive when taking narcotic pain medications and with bulky dressings that may hinder their normal reflexes and reactivity.
– General Healing
You may experience some swelling and bruising that will peak two to three days after your surgery. This usually subsides within two to six weeks. Post-operative swelling, pain, bruising and duration may differ depending on the patient and the extent of the reduction.
You will be expected to be able to see visible aesthetic improvements in your breasts immediately following your breast surgery. These results should continue to progress over the following weeks, as the incision site heals and the swelling decreases. Swelling can take six weeks to subside. Dr. Sinno advises his patients that final results should be expected at the end of the one year post-operative period, when all scars and incisions should be mature.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS AND POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS AFTER AREOLAR REDUCTION SURGERY?
All medical and surgical procedures have inherent risks and potential complications associated with them. It is imperative that you understand the potential risks, complications and consequences that can arise after the medical or surgical procedure you undertake. This understanding will better allow you to be able to provide informed consent based on the comparison to the potential benefit of the desired procedure.
Although the materialization of inherent risks is rare and developing complications is unlikely, these are real events that can occur. Dr. Sinno will help you to understand the risk/benefit profile of your desired procedure.
HOW MUCH DOES AN AREOLA REDUCTION SURGERY COST?
The starting cost of an areola reduction procedure is $4,100 plus applicable taxes.
