In this content, we’re going to define different top surgery nipple and Areola options that are generally considered to appear like they underwent an androgenic development (assigned male at birth pubertal period). After defining that we’ll explain how those same techniques could be modified to best fit the needs of a non-binary patient. If you’re unsure of what non-binary top surgery is, please read the introduction first so you can get the most out of the content below.
Before we get into specifics it’s important to make clear the difference between the nipple and the areola. The areolas are the wide (usually circular) pigmented area that also contains the nipple. The nipple (in plastic surgery terms) is the only part that projects outward from the chest and is usually somewhat cylinder shaped.
During a top surgery procedure, the areolas are usually resized to the diameter of 22mm (about the size of a nickel) and is most commonly made to be circular. 22 mm is the average size of someone who was assigned male at birth (AMAB).
Most often, if a non-binary individual wants to have a less binary appearing areola, they may choose a size that is slightly larger in diameter (usually 25 to 26 mm). This slightly larger areola options is about the size of an American quarter or a European One Euro coin.
If you’re interested in customizing a top surgery procedure so the end results feels or appears more non-binary to you, please read this additional content on non-binary incision and chest contouring options.