What determines the size of a woman's areola?

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Mar 24, 2007

Areolas, just like memberes, come in all different shapes, sizes, widths and colors, and are not always affected by 'the fat side' or 'way-too-large' implants.

justme1972 · Mar 24, 2007

Ok..this is probably TMI, but I used to have very, very small ones, they were so light in color they almost matched my skin.

After I had my twins...they are probably 4x the size that they were, and have darkened dramatically in color. I never knew that would happen when you had a baby.

Mesomorph · Mar 24, 2007

Hopefull2009 said:
Ok..this is probably TMI, but I used to have very, very small ones, they were so light in color they almost matched my skin.
After I had my twins...they are probably 4x the size that they were, and have darkened dramatically in color. I never knew that would happen when you had a baby.

No, I'm genuinely fascinated by that. I know hyperpigmentation is common in pregnancy, but you're saying they've stayed like that even after pregnancy?...

KellNY, RN · Mar 24, 2007

Meso-1st- I think you are trying your best to be respectful, and in no way did I take you for a perve or anything.

Having said that--I feel the need to point out that your wording could easily come across as offensive. You describe them as "huge" and then give an approximate diameter. Think now, about a woman reading this who maybe has 3" or even 4" areolas, and you're expressing your shock (while understandable, given your limited exposure to real women )and labeling them huge. That can be a real 'ouch' to women who may be sensitve about this.

When I say real women, I mean just that. Not airbrushed, specially selected, surgically modified women that you're likely to see in Playboy and p/ornos. Some women in that industry (and others who are very self conscious) actually have tattoos on their areola to even them out, give them a more desirable color and better definition. Implants usually actually make the areolas look smaller because they fill out the breast more, and well, photoshop can do wonders.

Think of it worded about memberes "I was working at the LTC and when I went to insert a foley-this residents member was tiny! I'd say about 5 inches in length. What effects member size?" I'm sure there are plenty of men here with that sized member. A statement like that could set off all types of insecurities...

I'm not trying to nit pick or put you down-just to point something out that may not have otherwise occured to you.

To answer your question though, pregnancies, hormones, genes, breast fullness, sun/tanning light exposure, sheer luck, and sometimes breast size can effect the size and color of the areola. I've seen mamas with let's say a 32A with most of the breast being areola. I've seen 48DD mamas with quarter sized ones. and with many women, yes, the hyperpigmentation stays, though usually to a lesser degree.

BTW-If you haven't "gone there" yet in your clinicals--this also goes for labia majora and minora. Also, don't be surprised if one is larger, fuller, droopier, etc than the other (and I'm talking breasts and lips here!).

Best Wishes

justme1972 · Mar 24, 2007

Mesomorph said:
No, I'm genuinely fascinated by that. I know hyperpigmentation is common in pregnancy, but you're saying they've stayed like that even after pregnancy?...

Yup..almost 3 years later...and I was not at all comfortable with it. I am very self-conscious about it.

Mesomorph · Mar 24, 2007

Very sorry, didn't intend to be insensitive :-S. Didn't realize how I was coming off. I haven't "gone there" yet but I've been next to someone who has so I know what you mean. I edited the post to be more sensitive.

All different shapes and sizes. Nothing wrong with that! :)

Also, don't look at Media, but have seen plenty of breasts in the textbook, I've looked into plastic surgeries and seen before and afters (my own interest. Wanted to see how it worked) and I've seen some breasts in clinicals. Media is evil

kangaroo621 · Mar 25, 2007

mesomorph --

I think you were asking a reasonable question based on curiosity... I think asking while at clinical may have been strange, but here?? why not?

come on girls, he's a MAN... this is not something he's entirely used to.

Give him a break! he's just asking a question!

Hope your clinicals go well,

A

Mesomorph · Mar 25, 2007

Thanks kangaroo haha :) It feels so wrong that I'm pretty much comfortable with lady partss and breasts. We're almost taught to feel guilty about that y'know? But yeah.. I suppose I'm getting "numb" to it the farther I get into it. It's gone from, "Oh gosh, a boob, close my eyes!" to "A boob is a boob... a foot is a foot." Nursing school kind of ruins the whole mystery of a woman's body before marriage haha... I'm going to know more about my wife's body than she does when I get married.

I'd still be interested in others' perspectives/opinions.

Bonny619 · Mar 25, 2007

Perspectives on what?

They are all different shapes, sizes and colors. That's it, really. :)

Mesomorph · Mar 25, 2007

Bonny619 said:
Perspectives on what?
They are all different shapes, sizes and colors. That's it, really. ?

I meant connections between size and race or size and weight, but I suppose from what everyone's said in here, there really is no common thread. That's what I was looking for: a common thread.

Mesomorph · Mar 25, 2007

I found a very fascinating site you all might be want to see. I learned some interesting things based on what the women there wrote. Areolar changes tend to be normal with pregnancy-related developments, and breast-sag is normal for those that 1) have large breasts or 2) that have gained and lost a significant amount of weight.

Very interesting! Might help those of you feeling self-conscious about your breasts: http://www.007b.com/breast_gallery.php