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Areola Reduction

Chevy Chase, MD

Balanced Chest Proportions

Introduction to Areola Reduction

Self-care procedures for men today are more inclusive than ever. One procedure more men commonly receive is areola reduction surgery to enhance chest contours and reduce the size of the areolas. Men seek this procedure for aesthetic reasons and to boost their confidence, aligning with their personal body image goals so they can feel comfortable in their own skin.

If you want to reduce the size of your areolas, our Board-certified plastic surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, Dr. James M. Economides, helps men in Chevy Chase, MD, and the greater Washington, DC, area achieve proportionate, balanced chest profiles with areola reduction surgery. Learn more about the procedure by reading the information below.

Smiling shirtless man wrapped in white towel standing in modern bathroom - Areola reduction in Chevy Chase, MD

What is Areola Reduction?

Areola reduction is a cosmetic procedure that decreases the diameter of the areolas, the darker areas surrounding the nipples. The procedure is best for individuals who have disproportionately large areolas compared to their nipples, causing insecurity and a lack of confidence.

Dr. Economides resolves these concerns by removing a portion of the areolar tissue surrounding the nipple to achieve a more proportionate size that appears more natural with the chest as a whole.

The procedure takes about 1-2 hours to complete and is performed using local or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of the surgery and the patient’s preference.

Who Are the Best Candidates for Areola Reduction?

If you are wondering if you are a good fit for areola reduction, you can check if you meet the following characteristics:

  • Enlarged or domed areolas, including those that are wide, stretched, or project outward
  • Asymmetrical areolas that are unevenly shaped or mismatched
  • Enlarged or malpositioned areolas due to genetics, puberty, or fluctuations in hormones
  • Experience chafing, irritation, or self-consciousness under clothing
  • Good overall health
  • Do not smoke
  • Reasonable expectations

Dr. Economides will determine your candidacy during a consultation at his office in Chevy Chase near Washington, DC.

What Are the Benefits of Areola Reduction?

Our patients across Washington, DC, enjoy the following benefits from their areola reduction surgery:

  • Improved proportions of their areolas to perfectly match their breast shape, size, and body frame
  • Enhanced symmetry to balance asymmetrical areolas
  • Flatter, more youthful areolas
  • Reduced prominence and increased comfort when wearing shirts
  • Firmer, tighter look of areolas
  • Easily combinable with other procedures
  • Boost in confidence and self-esteem
  • Discreet scarring
  • Subtle results that look natural
Professional woman in black blazer discussing documents with client across wooden table in office setting - in Chevy Chase, MD

How to Begin Your Areola Reduction Journey

You will meet with our Board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Economides, for a scheduled consultation at our clinic in Chevy Chase, MD, connected to Washington, DC. 

  1. Tell Dr. Economides about your goals and why you want to get areola reduction surgery.
  2. He will gently examine your areolas, nipples, and torso proportions to understand your goals better.
  3. You will walk through the details of the procedure, including everything from how the surgery is performed, to the recovery steps, to when to expect results.
  4. Look at before-and-after photos of previous patients to establish reasonable expectations.
  5. Review your medical history to ensure the procedure is safe
  6. Devise a surgical plan that is tailored to fit your unique goals, anatomy, and preferences

What to Expect on the Day of Areola Reduction Surgery

Head to our surgical facility in Chevy Chase at the same location where you had your consultation. You will check in with one of our patient coordinators before being led to an operating room.

You will review the details of your surgical plan again to make sure that you and Dr. Economides are on the same page before an anesthesiologist administers local or general anesthesia to ensure you don’t feel any pain during the procedure.

Dr. Economides will carefully create incisions around the natural border of your areola and remove excess areolar skin and tissue to reduce the diameter. He will close the incisions with sutures that will dissolve over the next week. He will also apply an antibiotic ointment and sterile bandages to protect the incision sites from bacteria and infection.

Doctor James Economides in white coat reviewing medical information on laptop at modern clinic desk - in Chevy Chase, MD

Combining My Areola Reduction with Other Procedures

Areola reduction is often combined with complementary procedures to address concerns in surrounding areas, resulting in comprehensive improvements beyond decreasing the size of your areolas. When you combine procedures, you also save on anesthesia and facility costs and need only one recovery period.

Many people who want to decrease the size of their areolas also struggle with unusually prominent or overdeveloped breasts, informally called “man boobs” or clinically called “gynecomastia.” Gynecomastia surgery removes excess glandular tissue and localized fat, combining to make more attractive, proportionate breasts.

Areola Reduction Recovery

Recovery times vary per individual, depending on how well the body heals. You can expect some initial swelling, bruising, and soreness for the first few weeks, which will gradually subside with time and the use of ice packs and pain medication. To help alleviate pain, take the prescribed medication provided by Dr. Economides.

You can resume regular activities within the first week, but you should avoid rigorous activities for at least 4-6 weeks to give yourself enough time to heal during the critical healing stage.

Dr. Economides will provide detailed instructions on caring for your incisions, including keeping the area clean, dry, and protected to prevent infection and minimize scarring. You should also wear a compression garment to support the healing process and maintain your new chest contours.

With proper care, you’ll be able to return to work within 1-2 weeks and be able to enjoy your new areolas for your self-confidence.

How Much Does Areola Reduction Cost in Washington, DC?

The cost of areola reduction surgery in Chevy Chase, MD, and Washington, DC, depends on factors such as the extent of correction, whether one or both areolas are treated, the type of anesthesia used, and the provider’s experience. Combining procedures will save you money in the long run if you have other concerns you want to address at the same time as your areola reduction.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Economides to find out how much areola reduction will cost.

Why Choose Dr. Economides?

Dr. Economides thoroughly enjoys meeting each patient, getting to know them, and helping them find confidence in their bodies through their self-care journey in Washington, DC. He is most inspired by the moment when a patient sees themselves clearly again, a feeling that never gets old. His guiding philosophy is that leadership is measured by the standard you set when no one is watching. Dr. Economides is always meticulous, prepared, and accountable in every patient interaction, believing the best leaders create a culture where excellence is expected, and kindness is nonnegotiable.

Dr. Economides proudly holds board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. But his recognition doesn’t stop there. He has been featured in Bloomberg, has been a Top Doctor every year since 2019, and was named a Power Player by Modern Luxury DC.

Areola Reduction FAQ’S

  • Professional, kind and highly recommended!

    Dr Economides did my Botox and temple filler perfectly!! He listened to my concerns and answered all my questions. Professional, kind and highly recommended!!

    Katherine K.

  • I had an outstanding facelift experience with Dr. James Economides

    I had an outstanding facelift experience with Dr. James Economides in Arlington, VA. I wanted facial rejuvenation that looked natural — refreshed, not pulled or overdone — and that is exactly what he delivered.

    Michael K.

  • I have no hesitation in fully recommending Dr. Economides

    Dr. Economides came highly recommend by a number of skilled respected doctors. I had a neck lift, face lift and eyebrow lift. Dr. Economides and his staff have been readily available to answer any questions-pre or post surgery. I have no hesitation in fully recommending Dr. Economides for your plastic surgery.

    Virginia H.

  • Dr. Economides is a very skilled surgeon.

    Dr. Economides is a very skilled surgeon. He is honest in his assessments, as he explains what will and will not change after a procedure. I’m very pleased with the results of my facelift. Dr. Economides and his entire staff are professional, kind, and personable.

    Donna M.

  • Dr Economides is the best.

    I’m thrilled with the results of my neck lift & lower facelift. Highly recommend!

    Valerie C.

  • I highly recommend Dr. Economides.

    I had a hernia repair and abdominoplasty with diastasis rectus repair, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. Not only did he resolve my medical concerns, but my abdomen looks amazing—I love my belly button again for the first time in over a decade!

    Monica M.

  • I couldn’t be happier with my experience

    I couldn’t be happier with my experience with Dr. Economides and his team. I can confidently say that I love my results! My tummy tuck and breast reduction have truly changed my confidence and comfort in my own body. The recovery process has been smooth, and any questions or concerns I had were always addressed with professionalism and kindness.

    Diana F.

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Book an areola reduction consultation with Dr. Economides in Chevy Chase, MD, today. You may call our office at (301) 800-7762 or use our website. We can’t wait to meet you!

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