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Peri-Areolar Top Surgery

Periareolar Top Surgery

aka. Peri, Concentric Circle

The Peri-Areolar Top Surgery procedure is a great option for those with smaller chests or B-sized chests with good skin elasticity. In this approach, an incision is made around the edge of the areola, along with a larger circular incision around it, and the donut shaped piece of skin is removed. Breast tissue is taken out, and liposuction may be used for additional contouring. The skin is then drawn together with a "drawstring" technique and connected to the edges of the areola, which can also be resized if needed. Since the nipple stalk and nerves usually remain intact, sensation is often preserved, making this procedure a popular choice.

Peri-Areolar Top Surgery is typically an outpatient surgery that lasts 3-5 hours. General anesthesia is used, but patients are rarely catheterized.

Top Surgery Post-op Care

After surgery, patients are left with two medical drains: small tubing that lines the length of the incisions, under the skin, that exit through a small incision under each arm, with a resevoir bulb attached at the ends to collect excess blood and lymphatic fluid. These drains are left in for several days to a week, and need to be emptied by the patient or an assistant a few times a day. Many surgeons also have patients wear a compression binder after surgery, for anywhere from 1-6 weeks. The binder helps prevent fluid build up, aids the skin in adhering back to the chest wall, and also helps with minimizing scars.

Top Surgery Recovery

Healing times vary, but many patients can return to desk jobs and light work after two weeks. There should be no heavy lifting, regular lifting of your arms over your head or weight training for 6-8 weeks. Light physical activity, such as walking, is recommended.

What to discuss with your surgeon:

  • Size and placement of the nipple-areola complex.
  • Will a nipple reduction be included?

Also see:

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Last updated: 01/23/25

FTM Surgery