The pigmented area around the nipple is called the areola. It becomes wider with age, pregnancy and breast feeding. In some cases, the areola can become quite asymmetrical in size and shape, and the asymmetrical nipple areola complex can make the breasts look lopsided.
Excessive widening of the areola can be corrected with an areola reduction procedure, ultimately making the areolas the same size. Surgeons use a “cookie cutter” to make a circle around the nipple of the desired size, and then remove the excess areola. The resulting circular scar is around the perimeter of the new areola and usually heals quite well.
