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Schedule A ConsultationIf you’ve ever wondered do men have areolas, the short answer is yes. Just like women, men are born with nipples and areolas—the circular pigmented area surrounding each nipple. While male areolas don’t serve a reproductive purpose, they are a normal part of male anatomy and can vary widely in appearance, sensitivity, and function.
This article explains what the areola is, how it develops in males, and why some men experience changes in this area over time.
The areola is the darker, circular patch of skin that surrounds the nipple. It contains small glands known as Montgomery glands, which can become more noticeable when stimulated or irritated. In women, the areola plays a role in breastfeeding. In men, it remains present but nonfunctional.
Both males and females start with the same basic template in early fetal development. During the first few weeks, all embryos develop nipples and areolas regardless of sex. Hormonal changes later in development influence further breast growth in females, while male areolas remain smaller and flatter due to the lack of estrogen.
Men Have Areolas: Male areolas can vary in size, color, and shape just like in females. They may be:
These differences are completely normal and don’t indicate any health problems.
Yes, the appearance of male areolas can change throughout life. Common reasons for areolar changes include:
Some men develop puffy or enlarged areolas, particularly if glandular tissue develops beneath them. This is often a sign of gynecomastia and may require evaluation by a specialist.
Puffy or prominent areolas in men are often caused by underlying glandular tissue. This condition typically doesn’t resolve with diet or exercise alone and may require surgical correction if it causes discomfort or self-consciousness.
Surgical options include:
If your areolas appear puffy, swollen, or uneven and it’s affecting your confidence, you’re not alone. Dr. Joseph Cruise specializes in diagnosing and correcting male chest issues, including gynecomastia and prominent areolas.
Schedule a confidential gynecomastia consultation today to explore your options and get expert guidance tailored to your goals.
Dr. Joseph Cruise is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience. Regarded as one of the top gynecomastia surgeons in the world, Dr. Cruise has gynecomastia-specific content that can be found at lagynecomastia.org. Dr. Cruise has dedicated his career to cosmetic surgery but has also had extensive training in General Surgery, Hand Surgery, and Microvascular Surgery. Dr. Joseph Cruise is also a member of the Rhinoplasty Society as well as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
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