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One of my Nipples Has Turned Completely Black After Breast Reduction, What Should I Do? (Photos)

asked 9 months ago by oblibio
Latest answer by Tom J. Pousti, MD
Question viewed 790 times
Tags: nipples, 2 weeks post-op, necrosis

I underwent surgery 15 days ago. I went from a 36H to a 36D after a week or so my right nipple started to bleeding and turned black. My plastic surgeon says it´s only partial necrosis and the best way to go is by solely applying antibiotic ointment. I really want to trust him on that but I´m so worried about losing my nipple (if it´s not too late already). Should I get a second opinion?

2 answers to One of my Nipples Has Turned Completely Black After Breast Reduction, What Should I Do? (Photos)

+2

Nipple-areola necrosis?

Assuming you've selected a well experienced board certified plastic surgeon to do your breast reduction procedure I would stay the course with him/her. There is no doubt that there is compromise of the blood flow to the nipple/ areola- whether it is “partial” or complete, only time will tell. I would continue close follow-up with your surgeon and would recommend topical antibiotic treatment and otherwise conservative debridement only if/when necessary. This will allow for... more
Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+2

One of my Nipples Has Turned Completely Black After Breast Reduction, What Should I Do?

Your surgeon is the only one who examined you closely and I would like to believe him but by the looks of the left and central photograph you APPEAR to have a near complete loss of the areola / nipple complex with impending separation of the top half of the vertical incision. This is a known complication of reducing very large breasts especially with a very long pre-surgery distance between the nipples and the sternal notch (the bony depression at the base of the neck). This becomes more... more
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon

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