Nipples and areolas, the darker circles of pigmentation that surround the nipples, come in such a wide range of sizes that it is impossible to say what is considered “normal.” Nevertheless, you may find that your nipples and areolas are larger than you would like. The expert breast specialists at Muse Plastic Surgery explain why these sizes differ, as well as what you can do to get the breast to nipple proportion you have always desired.
What Determines Nipple Size
Like most aspects of your physical appearance, the size of your nipples and areolas are primarily due to your genetics. Genetic code inherited from your parents influences not only the size of your nipples but also the color.
However, your nipple size is not entirely predetermined. In fact, you may notice times in your life when your nipples become larger. When you experience a significant hormonal fluctuation like puberty or your period, your nipple/areola may enlarge.
Size changes are especially visible during pregnancy/breastfeeding. The areolas typically get bigger and darker to facilitate lactation and give your baby a clear target when trying to eat. Although these changes typically subside once your baby weans, you may notice that they do not shrink all the way to their previous size.
Weight change is another potential factor. Some people who gain a significant amount of weight notice them enlarge, while some who lose weight see their nipples shrink. Many other people notice no change after weight fluctuation, which can also pose a cosmetic problem because they no longer look proportional.
Nipple Reduction: A Cosmetic Solution
Ultimately, what matters more than the size of your areolas is how happy you are with them. If you think your nipples are too large or not in proportion to your breast size, our plastic surgeons can perform nipple reduction.
Nipple reduction involves removing a small amount of excess tissue from the breast. This can be from around the edge of the areola to reduce its overall circumference or from around the nipple itself to change its length or width. This procedure can be performed on its own or as part of another breast procedure like breast lift or breast reduction.
Choose a Talented Plastic Surgeon
If you would like to reduce the size of your nipples and/or areolas, you should seek an experienced plastic surgeon for this procedure. A skilled hand paired with an eye for aesthetics is the best way to achieve results that are appealing and natural. Furthermore, precision is required to avoid losing nipple sensation and to avoid interfering with breastfeeding.
Dr. Wright Jones and Dr. Sabine Lovell are two highly respected board-certified plastic surgeons in Atlanta who specialize in cosmetic breast procedures like nipple reduction. For a consultation, please call 404-882-9948.
