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Areola
The areola is the roughly circular patch of pigmented skin surrounding the
nipple.
Areolae actually do serve some useful purposes and are not just decoration. Average circumference of mature female areolae is about 1.35”, but the range can go from .5” to over 5” depending on breast size and other factors. Color of the areolae also has an extensive range from pink to red, tan to brown to black, depending on skin tone and other factors.
Purposes of the Areola
The primary use of the pigmented areolae is to act as a marker or guide, highlighting the nipple. This can assist an infant child in nipple location and also act as a sexual attractant. The skin of the areolae is rich is blood supply and nerve fibers, making it very
sensitive
and a source of sensual pleasure during sexual activities. Finally, small sebaceous glands in the areolae called Montgomery’s Glands help to lubricate and protect the nipple during
breastfeeding.
The Bottom Line on Areola
Cosmetic surgery
often uses the areolae as an entrance point for incisions. The natural pigmentation helps to hide scars and
periareolar
incisions are featured in all
breast reduction
and
mastopexy
surgeries. In addition, incisions around the nipple are one of the most popular methods of achieving
breast enlargement
using implants.
Saline implants
work much better with this type of incision since they are implanted empty through a smaller surgical wound. Specific areolae and
nipple surgeries
such as expansion, reduction and pigmentation are also available alone, or in combination with other surgical procedures. Share your own breast improvement story at our Breast Plastic Surgery Interactive Forum
Areola to Breast Implants Home
11/25/07 Revised 11/6/09

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