Giving birth is a sacred journey, but it also brings about rapid changes to a woman’s body. One of the silent concerns many mothers face is the enlargement and darkening of the areola after childbirth. So, is there a way to “fix” this issue? Areola reduction surgery after childbirth is a modern solution that many women are opting for. Let’s take a closer look!
Why does the areola enlarge after childbirth? It’s not just you – 90% of mothers experience enlarged, darkened areolas after childbirth. The causes include:
Hormonal changes: Estrogen and progesterone fluctuate, making the areola more sensitive and changing its color.
Breastfeeding: The areola enlarges to make it easier for the baby to nurse – this is completely natural.
Skin stretching: As the breasts develop during pregnancy, the skin around the areola also gets stretched.
Areola reduction helps reshape the areola size to match the breast, improving both appearance and skin tone.
Who should consider areola reduction surgery? You should consider areola reduction surgery if:
Your areola has enlarged after childbirth, making it disproportionate to your breast.
Your areola is uneven between the two breasts.
You feel self-conscious when wearing bras or bikinis.
You have stopped breastfeeding for at least 6 months.
Note: Women who have not had children can still undergo the procedure if they desire aesthetic improvement.
Advantages of areola reduction surgery:
Improves the appearance of the breasts: After the surgery, the areolas will be more harmonious with the breast size, making the breasts look fuller and more attractive.
Increases confidence: Many women feel more confident when wearing tight clothes or in intimate moments with their partner.
Long-lasting results: Areola reduction surgery is a stable solution, and with proper care, the results can last for many years.
Does not affect breastfeeding function: This is a major concern for many mothers. The surgery only affects the outer areola area and does not interfere with future breastfeeding.
Types of Areola Reduction Procedures: There are two main methods of areola reduction:
Surgical Areola Reduction:
This is the most common method and provides the most noticeable results. The surgeon removes a portion of the skin around the areola and then stitches it up using cosmetic sutures. The entire process takes about 60 minutes, with local anesthesia, and no obvious scarring.Advantages:
Immediate visible results after recovery
Long-lasting results
Can be combined with breast lifting or nipple reshaping procedures
Non-Surgical Areola Reduction (Supportive Therapy):
Some cosmetic clinics use laser or RF (radio frequency) technology to stimulate the skin of the areola to gently contract.Advantages:
Non-invasive
Requires little downtime
Suitable for cases with mild areola enlargement
However: The results may not be as noticeable as surgical methods and may require multiple sessions.
Procedure for Areola Reduction: At reputable clinics, the procedure includes:
Consultation and examination: The size adjustments needed are determined, and a surgical plan is made.
Local anesthesia: Ensures that you do not feel pain during the procedure.
Surgical procedure: The surgeon removes excess areola skin and stitches it using specialized sutures.
Post-surgery care: Instructions on hygiene, post-op restrictions, and follow-up appointments.
Things to note before undergoing areola reduction:
Choose a reputable clinic with skilled surgeons.
Undergo a health check-up before the surgery.
Follow post-surgery care instructions for the best results.
Avoid heavy exercise and wear supportive bras in the initial recovery phase.
Frequently Asked Questions about Areola Reduction Surgery:
Will there be scarring?
The incision is made using cosmetic sutures and hidden along the boundary between the areola and nipple, so scarring is nearly invisible. However, some people may develop mild keloid scars, and proper care will be advised to minimize them.How much does areola reduction cost?
Costs range from 12–25 million VND, depending on the complexity and clinic. Choose a clinic with experienced surgeons, modern equipment, and good aftercare services.Will areola reduction affect breastfeeding?
No, this surgery does not interfere with milk production, as it only affects the outer skin of the areola. However, if you’re planning to have more children soon, discuss with the surgeon for proper guidance.
Areola reduction surgery after childbirth is not just about beauty; it’s also a way of caring for and loving yourself. Mothers deserve to feel beautiful, confident, and like themselves, even after going through the challenging journey of childbirth.
PKCK PTTM Dr. Long
Address: 318 Le Hong Phong, P.1, Q.10, Ho Chi Minh City
Hotline: 0908 493 008
Website: bacsilong.com
