When most people think about breast augmentation, they imagine implants adding volume and reshaping the breasts. But for many patients, achieving the most natural, balanced results also involves paying attention to the nipples and areolas. Adjustments in this area can help create symmetry, proportion, and overall aesthetic harmony. Here’s what to know about nipple and areola adjustments during augmentation. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Bryson Richards provides breast augmentation to patients in Las Vegas, NV, and surrounding locations.
Why Nipple & Areola Adjustments Are Considered
The nipple and areola are central to the appearance of the breast. Even with perfectly placed implants, disproportionate areolas or nipple asymmetry can affect the final outcome. Reasons patients or surgeons may recommend adjustments include: overly large areolas that look stretched compared to new breast volume, asymmetry between the left and right nipple-areola complex, nipples that point downward due to sagging, or tuberous breast deformities that affect nipple placement.
Types of Adjustments Performed During Augmentation
Surgeons can perform several refinements to enhance aesthetics at the time of augmentation:
- Areola reduction: If the areola appears too wide for the new breast size, tissue can be removed from the border to create a more balanced look.
- Areola reshaping: For oval or irregular areolas, reshaping creates a more circular, symmetric appearance.
- Nipple repositioning: When breast tissue sags or nipples point downward, the nipples can be adjusted upward slightly to better match implant projection.
- Correction of asymmetry: Size or position differences between the two sides can be adjusted for a more balanced look.
Surgical Techniques
Areola adjustments are often performed through a periareolar incision, which follows the natural border of the areola. This incision is commonly used for augmentation already, making it convenient for subtle refinements without adding new scars. In some cases, additional suturing or tightening is used to reshape and stabilize the areola after tissue removal.
Benefits of Areola & Nipple Adjustments
- More proportional appearance after implants are placed
- Correction of congenital asymmetry or deformities
- Better balance between the breast mound and central features
- Improved patient satisfaction and confidence
What Patients Should Know
Not every augmentation requires nipple or areola adjustment. The decision is highly individualized and based on anatomy, implant size, and patient goals. It’s important to understand that adding these refinements may slightly extend surgery and recovery, but most patients consider the results well worth it.
Recovery After Adjustments
Recovery is similar to standard augmentation, though there may be extra sensitivity in the nipple-areola area. Some patients experience temporary changes in sensation, which usually resolve over time. Following surgeon instructions on wound care and activity restrictions helps ensure proper healing.
Nipple and areola adjustments can be a small but powerful part of breast augmentation, elevating results from good to outstanding. If you’re considering breast implants, discussing symmetry, nipple orientation, and areola size with your surgeon can help you achieve a result that feels beautifully natural.
Contact Las Vegas Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Richards to Schedule a Consultation
If you would like more information on cosmetic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada plastic surgeon, Dr. Bryson Richards please contact us at 702.870.7070
Taking new patients from Las Vegas, Bullhead City, Laughlin, Pahrump, Mesquite NV and surrounding areas.