Breast Reduction Incision Seems to Be Splitting Around Nipple, What's the Cause?

asked 4 months ago by LMT 2012 in Sheffield Lake, OH
Latest answer by Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Question viewed 1,068 times
Tags: 2 weeks post-op, incision, split, worried

I had surgery a little over 2 weeks ago and the steri strips around the nipple just came off - I noticed on my right breast, which had a lot of swelling, that the skin was raw and looked a bit detached and white on the edge on one side of the nipple - I am worried - what is happening? I have not had any draining or bleeding - I am worried about my nipple.

9 answers to Breast Reduction Incision Seems to Be Splitting Around Nipple, What's the Cause?

Wound healing after a breast reduction

It is not rare for there to be a little wound separation and delayed healing after a breast reduction. Certainly, this should be evaluated by your plastic surgeon as they would want you communicating these concerns to them directly rather than on line.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Wound healing after breast reduction

It is not uncommon to have some wound healing issues after breast reduction. It may be due to swelling or stress on the wound site. Have your surgeon evaluate you. He may want you to do some wound care until the area heals and use a good support garment. Donald R. Nunn MD Atlanta Plastic Surgeon.

Donald Nunn, MD, DDS
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Worried About Nipple after Breast Production?

Congratulations on having undergone the breast reduction procedure; it is one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform. The best advice I have for any patient 2 weeks out of breast reduction surgery ( who is “worried about my nipple”) is to see your plastic surgeon. Online consultation will never replace in-person examination/diagnosis/treatment. Best wishes.

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Wound problems after breast reduction

Small gaps commonly form at incisions lines after breast reduction. In most cases this is of no consequence. Follow up with your surgeon: he/she will likely reassure you that things will be okay in the end.

Daniel Greenwald, MD
Tampa Plastic Surgeon

Skin Splitting after Breast Reduction

Based on what you describe, it should not be a problem and you should allow it to heal. Let your plastic surgeon know what is going on.

Karol A. Gutowski, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Breast reduction incision breakdown--don't worry, your nipple won't come off!

Incisional breakdown can expose the moist dermis below the epidermis surface of your two incision edges. That moist dermis is white, and if kept clean (soar and water gentle washes daily, NOT peroxide) should continue to heal from the bottom up. The slightly separated wound edges will soon be completely adherent, and will usually go on to heal uneventfully, possibly with a slightly wider scar, but less than the width you see now. Your nipple/areola complex is attached to your deeper... more

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS
Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon

www.mpsmn.com

Healing issues are common after breast reduction

Small healing issues such a suture spitting, minor separations under steri strips, are not that uncommon for all surgeons. Keep the areas very clean, a light cover can help, and your surgeon should be able to see you through. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd.com

Peter E. Johnson, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

www.peterejohnsonmd.com

Wound dehiscence around breast reduction incision

It is not uncommon for the edge of a nipple-areolar complex to dehisce. You should continue to followup with your plastic surgeon to insure that the nipple color remains pink and that it has adequate blood supply.

Robert L. Kraft, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Wound separation with breast reduction

Sometimes there are small separations of the wounds at various spots. Often they go on to heal without significant problems. Keep a close eye on it with your doctor and follow the wound care instructions that he gives to you.