Why is the areola too large, and what should be done?

Generally speaking, overly large areolas may be caused by factors such as hormonal changes during pregnancy and lactation, excessive stimulation, mastopathy, mastitis, or polycystic ovary syndrome. It is recommended to seek timely medical advice and undergo treatments such as areola tattooing, areola plastic surgery, laser therapy, or medication under a doctor's guidance. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Hormonal Changes During Pregnancy and Lactation

During pregnancy and lactation, elevated levels of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone may stimulate breast and areola development, causing the areola to enlarge. Regular gentle breast massage can help promote blood circulation. Under medical guidance, areola tattooing may also be considered. This technique involves implanting pigments into the superficial layer of the areola skin to improve its appearance and shape. The usual reference price for areola tattooing is 3000-8000 yuan per session, with noticeable improvement typically seen within 3-5 days, although allergic reactions or infections may occur.

2. Excessive Stimulation

Long-term wearing of rough-textured or ill-fitting bras may cause friction and pressure on the areola, resulting in enlargement. It is advisable to wear soft, well-fitting undergarments to avoid prolonged breast stimulation. Following medical advice, areola plastic surgery may also be considered, which involves surgically removing part of the areolar tissue to reduce its size. The usual reference price for areola plastic surgery is 5000-10,000 yuan per session, with visible improvement generally seen within 2-4 weeks, although complications such as infection or hypertrophic scarring may occur.

3. Mastopathy

Mastopathy is primarily caused by emotional instability and improper diet. Excessive proliferation of breast tissue may cause the areola to enlarge. Symptoms typically include breast pain and lumps. Under medical guidance, medications such as Rupixiaopian (mastopathy relief tablets), Xiaoyaowan (Free and Easy Wanderer Pills), or Runansanjiepian (breast nodule dispersing tablets) may be used for treatment. Laser therapy may also be performed under medical advice, using laser energy to stimulate the reorganization of collagen and elastic fibers to reduce the size of the areola. The usual reference price for laser treatment is 2000-5000 yuan per session, with visible improvement typically seen within 1-2 weeks, although side effects such as hyperpigmentation or skin sensitivity may occur.

4. Mastitis

Mastitis may be associated with milk stasis and bacterial infection. Continuous inflammatory stimulation of the areola may lead to enlargement. Symptoms typically include pain and nipple discharge. Under medical guidance, medications such as amoxicillin capsules, cefradine capsules, or azithromycin tablets may be used for treatment.

5. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

This condition may be triggered by genetic factors, unhealthy lifestyle habits, obesity, and other causes. Elevated androgen levels may affect normal breast development, leading to the aforementioned symptoms. Symptoms may include oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea. Under medical guidance, medications such as spironolactone tablets, medroxyprogesterone acetate tablets, or estradiol valerate tablets may be used for treatment.

In daily life, maintaining breast hygiene, choosing soft and breathable undergarments, and avoiding excessively tight or loose fitting bras are important for maintaining breast health.