Periareolar Top Surgery in Istanbul
Periareolar top surgery removes breast tissue and a ring of skin through an incision around the areola, so there are no long scars across the chest. It sits between keyhole and double incision: it can remove a small amount of skin and reduce the areola, but it cannot correct a larger or sagging chest. Dr. Hakki Izmirli performs periareolar top surgery in Istanbul for international patients.
What Is Periareolar Top Surgery?
An incision is made around the areola, and breast tissue is removed through it. A ring of skin around the areola is then taken out, which tightens the chest skin and reduces the size of the areola at the same time. The skin is closed around the new, smaller areola. If needed, liposuction is used to refine the sides of the chest. The nipples stay attached to the tissue beneath, so no grafting is needed.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Periareolar is usually recommended if you have:
- a small chest (typically up to a B cup)
- only mild skin excess
- good skin elasticity
- large or wide areolas that you would like to make smaller
If your chest is very small and firm with no skin excess, keyhole may be enough. If there is more skin excess or sagging, double incision usually gives a flatter result. Suitability is decided after examining your chest, either in person or through detailed photos.
Advantages and Considerations
| Advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|
| No long scars across the chest | Only suitable when skin excess is limited |
| Nipples remain attached; better chance of keeping some sensation | Less control over contour than double incision |
| The areola can be reduced at the same time | The skin around the areola can look puckered at first while it settles |
| Shorter scar than double incision | A small touch-up is sometimes needed once the skin has settled |
How the Operation Is Performed
- Marking: the new areola size and the ring of skin to be removed are planned with you standing, before surgery.
- Surgery: under general anaesthesia, breast tissue is removed through the incision around the areola, a ring of skin is excised and the skin is closed around the new areola. The operation takes about 2 hours.
- Drains: if needed, small drains are placed to remove fluid during the first days of healing; they are removed at a check-up in Istanbul.
- Hospital stay: because the operation is performed under general anaesthesia, you stay one night in hospital.
Scars and Nipple Sensation
The scar runs around the edge of the areola, where the change in skin colour helps to disguise it. In the first weeks the skin around the areola can look gathered or puckered; this usually smooths out as the skin settles over the following months. Because the nipples are not detached, periareolar gives a better chance of keeping nipple sensation than double incision with free nipple grafts, but sensation can still change and cannot be guaranteed.
Recovery Timeline
| Day 0 | Surgery (about 2 hours), one night in hospital |
| Days 1–7 | Stay in Istanbul for check-ups before flying home |
| About 1 week | Return to desk-based work |
| 1 month | Wear the compression binder |
| 2 months | Return to the gym and heavy lifting |
Recovery varies from person to person. Your aftercare continues remotely once you are home.
Risks
Like any surgery, periareolar top surgery carries risks. These include bleeding or haematoma, fluid collection (seroma), infection, contour irregularities, widening or stretching of the areola scar, loose skin, changes in nipple sensation, and residual tissue. If the result needs refining once the skin has settled, a minor revision may be needed. Dr. Izmirli discusses your individual risks at your consultation.
Is Periareolar Right for Me?
Send your photos for a free online consultation, and Dr. Izmirli will tell you whether periareolar is realistic for your chest or whether keyhole or double incision will give a better result. A letter from a psychiatrist or therapist is not required; a signed informed consent form is sufficient.
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About the surgeon
Dr. Hakki Izmirli
Plastic surgeon with 20 years of experience, based in Nişantaşı, Istanbul. Dr. Izmirli trained at Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine and completed his residency in Aesthetic, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Kocaeli University. His research on free nipple grafting has been published in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and JPRAS.
Professional memberships: WPATH (Full Member) · ISAPS · ASPS (International Member) · TPRECD
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Medical disclaimer: The information on this website is for general information only and does not replace a personal consultation with a doctor. Every patient is different; results vary from person to person and cannot be guaranteed.
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