Areola Reduction Surgery Cost and Procedure Guide

Like breasts, areolas — the darker area surrounding the nipple — are all different. This is because of genetics and other factors, including age, pregnancy and weight fluctuations. Areolas come in different shapes, colors, textures and sizes.¹

People have preferences on how they like, or would like, their areolas to look. Interestingly, research shows that most people prefer the appearance of a smaller areola.² If you do, too, areola reduction surgery can give you the look you want.

Continue reading to learn more about areola reduction surgery, what to expect during and after and how much the procedure costs.

What Is Areola Reduction Surgery?

Areola reduction surgery is a procedure that reduces the diameter of one or both areolas. A donut-shaped incision is made around the areola and then sutured together to tighten (reduce) the skin.³

The procedure can be performed on its own or along with another plastic surgery procedure — such as breast augmentation or a mommy makeover — to make the areolas smaller.⁴

How Much Does Areola Reduction Surgery Cost?

The national average cost* of areola reduction surgery is $2,907, but the cost can range between $2,231 and $5,633, depending on various factors. Some things that may impact the price include:⁵

• Geographical location. Costs tend to be higher in major cities.
• Surgeon's credentials and expertise. Board-certified plastic surgeons with extensive training and experience typically charge more.
• Complexity of the surgery. This could include how much tissue is removed and whether you're having one or both areolas reduced.

Areola reduction surgery cost by state/district

Below are the average costs* of areola reduction surgery in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia:⁵

Is areola reduction surgery covered by insurance?

Areola reduction surgery is considered cosmetic and is not usually covered by health insurance, but it doesn't hurt to check with your insurance provider. It may be covered in certain circumstances, such as when it's part of gynecomastia.⁶

Benefits of Areola Reduction Surgery

Cosmetic surgery can improve self-esteem and body image and make you feel more confident.⁷ Along with feeling better about your appearance, other benefits of areola reduction surgery include:³

• A more balanced appearance to the areolas and breasts
• Better fit in certain types of clothing, such as swimwear, lingerie and open-neckline styles
• Reduced discomfort during physical activity

Possible Candidates for Areola Reduction Surgery

Areola reduction may be used to improve the following issues:³

• Enlarged areolas due to genetics or weight fluctuations
• Areolas that have stretched after pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Asymmetrical areolas
• Puffy or enlarged areolas from tuberous breast deformity
• Enlarged areolas in men from gynecomastia

Things to Consider Before Areola Reduction Surgery

Here are some important considerations before going ahead with areola reduction surgery:

Choose a qualified and experienced surgeon

Select a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience performing areola reduction (and any other procedures you're considering). Having a skilled and qualified surgeon can help you achieve the best results and minimize the chance of complications.

Make the most of the consultation

The consultation process is meant to provide you with the opportunity to vet the surgeon and facility, as well as discuss your goals for surgery and ask any questions you have. This time is also used to go over your medical history to make sure you're a good candidate for surgery.

Understand the potential side effects

No surgery is entirely without side effects, so it's important to have a good understanding of them, even if the possibility is low.

Though areola reduction surgery is typically considered safe, the following are complications that your surgeon should explain to you:⁸

• Infection is always a possibility when you have an incision, but following proper aftercare instructions can help reduce its occurrence.
• Scarring around your new areola is to be expected, but it will fade over time and can be further improved with scar reduction treatments if you choose.
• Temporary changes in sensation over the areola are possible and can be permanent in some cases.
• Inability to breastfeed due to milk duct damage is a rare but potential complication of areola reduction surgery. For this reason, doctors often recommend putting off this surgery until a person has finished having children.³

What Happens During Areola Reduction Surgery?

Areola reduction surgery is typically an outpatient procedure, which means you'll be able to go home the same day. As long as you're not having another procedure done at the same time, areola reduction surgery takes about an hour.³

Here's a general overview of the areola reduction procedure:³

• You will be given a local anesthetic and possibly intravenous sedation to keep you pain-free and relaxed during the procedure.
• The surgeon will use a circular metal device to measure your “new" areola.
• An incision will be made around the perimeter of your current and new areolas, and the donut-shaped portion of excess tissue will be carefully removed.
• Your new, smaller areolas are then stitched with permanent sutures inside your breast tissue, and the incisions are closed with sutures.
• The area will be bandaged, and you might be placed in a special surgical bra-type garment for support while you heal.
• Once your sedation wears off, you will be able to go home.
• If you received general anesthesia because you had another procedure done at the same time, you will be monitored for a period of time before being released.

Areola Reduction Surgery Recovery

Proper aftercare is crucial for your healing and reducing the possibility of infection and other complications. Your doctor will provide instructions on how to clean and care for your incisions at home.⁸

Here are other things you may be told to do during recovery:⁹

• Wear a surgical or sports bra to support your areola in the right position and protect it while you heal.
• Sleep on your back or use a wedge pillow to prevent putting pressure on your chest.
• Avoid strenuous activities, including sex, for three weeks.

You can expect some bruising, swelling and pain after areola reduction surgery, especially in the first few days, but this will gradually subside.³ Pain can usually be managed with over-the-counter medication, but your surgeon will likely prescribe stronger pain medication to be used if needed in the first few days.⁹

When you return to work depends on the type of job you have and your comfort level. You should be able to return to non-strenuous work approximately one to two weeks after surgery.⁹

You should have a follow-up appointment around a week after surgery so your surgeon can see how you're healing and to have any non-dissolvable stitches removed.⁹

You will be able to see your final results within a year, but it can take up to two years for scars to fade.⁹

While you recover, keep an eye out for signs of infection and call your surgeon right away if you have worsening pain, swelling or redness, or if the skin in the area feels hot to the touch. Foul-smelling discharge from the incisions and any other discharge are also possible signs of infection.⁹

Financing Areola Reduction Surgery With the CareCredit Credit Card

Ready to revitalize your appearance and boost your confidence? The CareCredit credit card makes it easy to pay for areola reduction surgery and related expenses not covered by health insurance.** Use our Acceptance Locator to find a doctor or cosmetic surgeon near you that accepts CareCredit so you can stop dreaming and start living your best life. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to cosmetic procedures, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, pet care, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Adrienne Santos-Longhurst is a writer who has been covering health and lifestyle for almost two decades. Her work has appeared in Healthline, Insider, Medical News Today and more.