Blister on Nipple Two Days After Lift?

asked 10 months ago by aurion in Hialeah, FL
Latest answer by Robert Brueck, MD
Question viewed 357 times
Tags: areola, 3 days post-op, blister, necrosis, options

Hi, I had a lift with silicon implant two days ago. One of my nipples is 90% black. This morning I woke up to find a blister on it. My doc saw me the day after surgery and told me to take off the bra and not press anything to my breasts. He sees me again in three days. Btw, I don't smoke and he didn't use tape, only glue. Is this the start of necrosis and is there anything I can do to aide my recovery?

11 answers to Blister on Nipple Two Days After Lift?

Impending loss of nipple

It sounds as though you may be having early compromise to the circulation to your nipple.One might give consideartion to hyperbaric oxygen treatments in hope to prevent this.

Robert Brueck, MD
Fort Myers Plastic Surgeon

www.beauty-by-brueck.com

Black tissue is usually necrosis.

Blistering of black tissue is the separation of the skin layers. This can happen with severe congestion as well as necrosis. If the nipple is 90% black, it is likely that a good portion of it will be lost. To improve situation like this, release of tension (sometimes releasing the sutures), hyperbaric oxygen, and appropriate moist dressings are advised. Close follow up with your surgeon is advised.

David Bogue, MD
Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon

www.drbogue.com

Blister on nipple after breast lift

As already indicated by other surgeons, this could be a sign that you are developing necrosis of your nipple. This can happen if the blood supply to the nipple is reduced. It is possible that it could be a superficial problem but it sounds potentially more serious. Be sure to see your doctor frequently and follow his advice and instructions exactly. I do hope it proves to be a minimal problem for you.

Jeffrey E. Kyllo, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Blister on nipple

A "black" nipple after surgery, as well as a blister, may suggest inadequate blood supply to your nipple. You should see your surgeon immediately to assess your condition in person.

David Stoker, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Black nipple after breast lift

Without seeing this, there is no way to be sure, but I completely agree that you need to see your surgeon immediately and frequently. If there is decreased blood supply and/or necrosis, the things to consider doing (AFTER you talk with your surgeon) are: Decrease any pressure. Do not apply any external pressure. If you had a saline implant, your surgeon might consider deflating it with a needle. That won't work with a silicone implant, but you still have the... more

James Nachbar, MD
Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon

Blister on nipple after augmentation&lift

This could be an ominous sign and pending a serious copmlication after breast lift and augmentaion for a none smoker . Blood supply of your nipple areola complex is compromised and now is prone to get infected .Your plastic surgeon could consider administration of systemic antibiotic ( if he/she has not done so) .Your nipples also need meticulous wound care attention. Topical antibiotic & multiple gentle dressing changes may prove to be helpful. Nitroglycerine paste is not going to be... more

Fereydoon S. Mahjouri, MD
Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon

www.mahjouricosmeticsurgery.com

Blister on a Dark Nipple Two Days After an Augmentation-Lift is NOT "Normal"

Without an examination or a photograph it is impossible to advise you exactly as to what may be going on. However, "One of my nipples is 90% black. This morning I woke up to find a blister on it" SUGGESTS that you have reduced or poor blood supply to your nipple complex resulting is severe tissue damage and possibly death. The fact that your surgeon advises no further compression SUGGESTS that he is thinking along the same line. The only thing I can tell you is that your... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

Nipple discolouration after breast lift

Hi, unfortunately there is a possibility of tissue necrosis. This could be either a minor problem (only top layer of the skin) or, rarely, a bigger problem of losing part/whole of the nipple. As long as there are no tight dressing/stitches and you are not smoking or exposing the area to extreme cold, there is not much that will influence the outcome.The only thing to do now will be to wait and watch (and keep your fingers crossed!).

Anindya Lahiri, MBBS
Birmingham Plastic Surgeon

Black nipples could be sign of necrosis

Following breast implants with breast lift, if you develop black nipples and areolae, it could be a sign that there is insufficient blood supply to the nipples and areola. That could be the cause of the black color of your nipples. I would consult your surgeon to see what needs to be done. If you develop complete or even partial necrosis of your nipple areolar complexes, then you will probably need eventual debridement and reconstruction of the nipple areola. more

James Tang, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon

Possible nipple necrosis

This is a rare complication of the combined lift and implant surgery, but very serious situation. You need to continue to see your surgeon. If you have saline implant I would deflate them to decrease the tension on the nipple. The consequence of nipple loss very grave to just observe and wait. The other treatment would be application os nitroglycerin ointment to vasodilate thevblood vessels to the nipple. All these may not work but worth the try. Please send pictures.

Kamran Khoobehi, MD
New Orleans Plastic Surgeon

Nipple discoloration after a breast lift

We need a photo to help more but you could be having necrosis of the tissue or something that looks the same but is a lesser problem and the outer skin peels off to reveal normal tissue underneath. Stick very close to your doctor with frequent visits through the process.