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.

Areola

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 Augmentation, Breast Reduction & Breast Implants
11/25/07 Revised 2/25/08