Question: 

I get yeast infections underneath my breasts in hot weather.  My bra digs into my shoulders and I get back aches almost daily.  Exercising vigorously is embarrassing.  All this is because I was cursed with large breasts.  I would like breast reduction surgery.  My areolas are abnormally large and I would like to know if I can get them reduced in size. 

Answer: 

Absolutely.  Areola reduction is part of the breast reduction surgery.  Bilateral breast reductions are one of my favorite procedures because the patients get almost immediate symptomatic relief.  In addition, not only do they feel better but they look better as well. 

The surgery takes approximately six weeks to recover in terms of being able to go back to all activities such as heavy exercising after this procedure.  

There are different forms of breast reduction surgery and the scars can be limited to all around the areola as just a circle; or around the areola and down the breast which is the lollipop incision; or finally as an anchor incision which is incision and scarring that has been around the longest. 

In my practice I use primarily the lollipop breast lift or breast reduction, which is the scar all the way around the areola and down vertically to the bottom of the breast. 

You should consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who could determine which of these procedures is best for you.  It is important to know that each patient has individual characteristics which must be discussed with your surgeon. 

Posted by:  Dr. Siporin