Introduction

In New York City, a variety of institutions offer treatments related to areola pigmentation equalization and associated procedures. These treatments can significantly impact a person's appearance and self - confidence. In this article, we will explore the top institutions, the procedures they offer, who can benefit from them, and other important aspects such as costs and recovery.

Understanding Areola and Associated Concerns

What is the Areola?

The areola is the dark - colored skin on the breast that surrounds the nipple. The average diameter of an areola is about 4.7 cm or slightly more than an inch and three quarters. However, the perfect size depends on multiple factors, such as bust size and height. For some people, the areolas may appear too large for the size of their breasts, or they can become larger proportionally after events like weight loss, pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

Common Areola - Related Concerns

• Size and Shape: Non - circular areolas, extraordinarily puffy areolas, or mismatched areolas between the two breasts can be a source of concern.
• Pigmentation: Uneven pigmentation can cause the areolas to look less aesthetically pleasing. Some people may also experience hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation.
• Protrusion: Overly large or severely protruding nipples can be a concern for some individuals, especially when it affects their self - image or causes discomfort.

Popular Institutions in New York City for Areola - Related Treatments

Rowe Plastic Surgery

Rowe Plastic Surgery has locations in New York City and New Jersey. Their cosmetic surgeons have years of experience in breast surgical procedures, including areola reduction.

Areola Reduction Procedure at Rowe Plastic Surgery

1. Consultation: The doctor examines the breasts, listens to the patient's aesthetic expectations, discusses surgical options (including areola and nipple reduction), and reviews the medical history. The doctor determines if the patient is a suitable candidate for areola reduction and discusses realistic expectations during the recovery period.
2. Preparation: The plastic surgeon gives instructions to follow before the surgery. The patient may be asked to stop taking some medications, including blood - thinning drugs, and to stop smoking four weeks before the procedure. On the day of the procedure, the patient should avoid wearing makeup or using deodorant.
3. Surgery: The patient is put under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes two incisions in concentric circles at the edge of the areola, removes the donut - shaped surface layer of excess skin to reduce the areola, uses absorbable stitches deep inside the areola to secure the skin and reduce scarring, and then secures the new areola by closing the incision with surface stitches. The breast is then covered with a surgical dressing.
4. Recovery: The recovery is relatively quick with minimal risks and complications. The patient may experience some soreness and discomfort from the incision area, which usually resolves within a few days. Pain medication may be prescribed if needed. The patient can resume normal daily activities in a day or two, but should use a surgical bra to protect the breasts and promote healing for several weeks. Chest contact and strenuous activities should be avoided during this time. It may take several months for the final results to be obvious and for all the swelling to subside.

Cost

As a standalone cosmetic procedure, areola reduction cost at Rowe Plastic Surgery can range from $2,000 to $5,000. The cost is affected by factors such as the type of procedure, the surgeon’s expertise, necessary medical tests, additional procedures performed in combination with the areola reduction, the anesthesiologist’s fees, and the cost of any medications needed during recovery. Most insurance companies do not cover this cosmetic procedure, but some practices offer payment plans.

Dr. Joshua Greenwald

Dr. Joshua Greenwald, a leading plastic surgeon in New York and Connecticut, treats patients bothered by the look of their nipples and/or areolas. He can perform nipple and areola correction surgery in conjunction with other types of breast surgical procedures, including breast augmentation, breast lift, and breast reduction surgery.

Procedure Details

The details of the procedure vary depending on the aesthetic issues that each patient would like to correct. In general, nipple and/or areola correction surgery is performed under either local or general anesthesia on an outpatient basis.

• For Overly Large or Protruding Nipples: Dr. Greenwald removes the tips of the nipples and closes the area with stitches.
• For Nipples that are Too Wide: He removes a pie - shaped wedge of tissue from underneath the nipple’s surface to decrease its circumference.
• For Nipples that Need Repositioning: He may perform breast lift surgery to move the nipples to a higher, more central position on the breast.
• For Overly Large or Puffy Areolas: The doctor creates an incision either around the perimeter of the areola or at the base of the nipple and removes a portion of the pigmented skin.

Candidates

Appropriate candidates include women who have a good self - image overall but are unhappy with the look of their nipples and/or areolas, have nipples that fall below the breast fold when the breasts are unsupported, have downward - pointing nipples, have enlarged areolas, are in good general mental and physical health, have reasonable expectations for what the surgery can accomplish, and comprehend the surgical risks but believe that the advantages offset the potential risks.

Cost

The overall cost of nipple and/or areola correction surgery includes the plastic surgeon’s fee, the anesthesiologist’s fee, the cost of the operating room, and assorted costs related to breast surgery (e.g., the expense of any lab testing needed, oral pain medication, a surgical bra if required). The cost varies depending on the type of surgery required to correct the patient’s aesthetic concerns and if another procedure is being performed at the same time. Patients should arrange a consultation with Dr. Greenwald to obtain a more accurate quote.

Dr. Barry Weintraub

Dr. Barry Weintraub is an expert at reducing the size of unattractive nipples and areolas to add symmetry and balance to the breasts in New York City. He performs nipple reduction and areola reduction at his state - of - the - art NYC surgical facility, and the procedure is often combined with other breast surgeries, such as a breast lift or breast reduction.

Nipple and Areola Reduction Procedure

1. Consultation: The patient should check for the surgeon's board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, ensure that the physician attends a major hospital in the community and is in good standing, confirm the surgeon's reputation amongst other medical professionals, and speak to the surgeon’s patients who have undergone similar procedures. The surgeon listens to the patient's needs and desires and helps the patient understand the procedure and the expected results.
2. Preparation: The patient needs to provide medical clearance from their family physician. Instructions on how to prepare for the surgery will be given, and prescriptions will be provided to be filled in advance. A custom - made post - surgical garment will be ordered. For patients living beyond a 50 - mile radius of New York City, a two - night post - operative stay at certain hotels is advised, and a private nurse can also be provided.
3. Surgery: Dr. Weintraub prefers his patients to be in a comfortable state of twilight sleep. The surgery is performed in a safe, secure, and completely private operating room attached to his office. He insists on the most sterile conditions with board - certified anesthesiologists and state - of - the - art monitoring equipment. Every intraoperative maneuver is executed with precision and care, and all wounds are sewn in multiple layers by his own hand.
4. Recovery: There may be a short period of minimal swelling and sometimes bruising after the surgery. The patient must carefully follow all instructions provided by Dr. Weintraub. He is a firm believer in early showering. He will advise the patient on when they can return to their normal lifestyle and exercise routine.

Cost

Each patient's cost is individual. To give an accurate quote, it is best to schedule a consultation. For patients living overseas or outside New York City or the Hamptons, photographs can be emailed or sent to the office, and a phone consultation can take place.

Non - Surgical Options for Areola - Related Concerns

BBL Hero at Dr. Jennifer Levine’s Practice

BBL Hero (Broadband Light High Energy Rapid Output) is an advanced light therapy treatment available at Dr. Jennifer Levine’s practice in NYC. While it is mainly used for skin concerns such as pigmentation, redness, fine lines, and overall skin texture, it can potentially also be beneficial for areola pigmentation issues.

How BBL Hero Works

BBL Hero utilizes intense pulsed light (IPL) technology to deliver high - energy light pulses to the skin. This technology targets the deeper layers of the skin to stimulate collagen production, reduce pigmentation, and improve skin texture. It is known for its speed, efficacy, and ability to treat larger areas with less discomfort and downtime compared to traditional IPL treatments.

Benefits

• Non - invasive: No surgery or needles required.
• Quick and efficient: Treats larger areas of skin quickly with minimal discomfort.
• Versatile: Addresses various skin concerns such as pigmentation, redness, fine lines, and sun damage.
• Minimal downtime: Patients can return to their normal activities shortly after treatment.
• Long - lasting results: Stimulates collagen production for continued skin improvement over time.

Procedure

1. Consultation: Dr. Levine assesses the patient's skin and discusses their concerns to determine if BBL Hero is right for them.
2. Preparation: The treatment area is cleansed, and protective eyewear is provided to shield the eyes from the light.
3. Treatment: A handheld device is used to deliver light pulses to the skin. The procedure typically takes about 15 - 30 minutes, depending on the treatment area.
4. Post - treatment care: After the treatment, patients may experience mild redness, which typically subsides within a few hours. Dr. Levine provides post - treatment care instructions to ensure optimal results.

Lumecca IPL Skin Rejuvenation at Dr. Zimm’s Practice

Dr. Zimm and his staff offer Lumecca by InMode skin rejuvenation, which is the most powerful IPL on the market to treat pigmented and vascular lesions (age spots). This treatment can also potentially improve areola pigmentation.

Benefits

In just 1 - 3 sessions, Lumecca improves the appearance of age spots (red/brown pigmentations), vascular lesions such as facial telangiectasias (spider veins) and poikiloderma, rosacea (redness), freckles, and sun damage.

Procedure and Expectations

Patients should avoid direct, excessive sun exposure or tanning one month prior to treatment. During treatment, there will be a bright flash of light that feels like a light elastic sensation. Redness and a slight warming of the skin are normal after treatment and usually subside within an hour. Over the next 24 - 48 hours, pigmented spots may darken, and in the week afterwards, the pigmented lesions flake off, leading to an evening out of skin tone. For vascular lesions, the vein may blanch and disappear or change color, which dissipates after a few days. An improved skin appearance can be noted after the first session, and multiple sessions provide even better results.

Areola Restoration: A Semi - Permanent Solution

Areola restoration is a semi - permanent solution offered by places like Delphine Eyebrow Couture. It involves implanting pigment (color) into the skin of the breast to re - create the color and shape of the nipple - areola complex. The aim is to create an areola that is as realistic as possible, minimizing the appearance of breast scars and improving areola irregularities.

Candidates

This treatment is ideal for men and women whose areola/nipple is too pale, without definition, too small, or asymmetrical. It can help cancer survivors regain confidence after losing the natural appearance of their nipple - areola complex due to chemotherapy and surgery.

Aftercare

• Do not remove the dressing if breathable patches were applied for 7 days.
• Apply ointment 3 times per day for the first 4 days after removing the dressing.
• Do not participate in any excessive physical exercise.
• Do not clean the pigmented surface directly for 14 days.
• Avoid wet areas like swimming or saunas for 7 days.
• Do not remove the scab.
• Do not tan the pigmented surface.

During Chemotherapy

If a patient is currently undergoing chemotherapy or has recently completed it, they should check with their doctor to ensure that areola restoration services are suitable for their recovery. A note from the doctor approving the treatment is appreciated before booking.

Choosing the Right Institution and Surgeon

Factors to Consider

• Certification: Look for a board - certified plastic surgeon. Certification requires continuing education to learn the latest techniques.
• Experience: Find a plastic surgeon who has performed many breast and nipple procedures, including areola reductions or related treatments.
• Reviews or Testimonials: Read what other patients have to say about the quality of services offered by the surgeon and the institution.
• Referrals: Ask family, friends, and colleagues about the best plastic surgeon in NYC. You can also ask the cosmetic surgeon to refer past patients you can actually speak with.
• Professional Reputation: Look for a plastic surgeon who is a member of professional associations or who has published works in the field.
• The Facility: Visit the doctor’s office and assess the hygiene standards, availability of equipment, safety standards, and staff qualifications.
• Portfolio: Ask to look through the doctor’s past work to evaluate the quality. The best cosmetic surgeons in NY encourage patients to review their before - and - after photos.

FAQs

Areola Reduction - Related

1. How do I make my nipples smaller? Nipple reduction surgery is a cosmetic procedure that can reduce the size of your nipples. It can be part of breast lift, breast augmentation, or breast reduction and can be done at the same time as areola reduction.
2. Do areolas shrink with weight loss? If you’ve lost significant weight recently, your areola may get smaller, but not as much as you expect. Areola reduction surgery can help reduce the pigmented area around your nipples.
3. Does areola reduction leave scars? When making incisions, a top plastic surgeon hides the scars as much as possible. Initially, the scars are visible, but they fade with time.
4. Is the areola reduction procedure painful? You’re under general anesthesia while the plastic surgeon carries out the areola reduction, so you don’t feel pain during the procedure. After the surgery, you can expect some soreness and tenderness, but it usually resolves within a few days.
5. Will areola reduction make my nipples less sensitive? No. During the procedure, the surgeon takes care not to affect the nipple’s nerves or blood supply. After the surgery, you may experience some numbness, but this disappears with time.
6. Is there a minimum size of areola in areola reduction? Every patient’s areola size is different, based on many factors, including your height. The average areola size is about 4.7 cm or 1.85 inches, but you can discuss with your doctor the optimum size of your areola before your procedure.
7. Can I combine areola reduction with other breast procedures? The goal of breast procedures is to enhance the overall appearance of your breasts. Your surgeon