I Am Noticing a Nasty Odor Around the Nipple Graft Area, Could It Be Infected?

I had a breast reduction one and a half weeks ago. Although I shower daily and change the dressings, I am noticing an odor from the nipple graft area. I am losing sleep and worried that there is an infection going on. Please help ease my mind.

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nipples infection odor 2 weeks post-op

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3 Doctor Answers | Asked by Beej in Upstate, NY

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Odor around nipple

I would recommend that you call plastic surgeon right away - there is no substitute for an examination and you might have an infection that needs to be treated.

Infection after Surgery

Thank you for the question. Unfortunately, the only way you will have real peace of mind is to be seen by your plastic surgeon for direct examination. This is the only way to check for signs of infection. Best wishes.

Foul odor from nipple-areola graft needs to be evaluated immediately

It is possible that you either have an infection or necrosis of some of the tissue (it did not survive). Typically, this is often checked by one week. I recommend that you contact your plastic surgeon immediately to have him/her evaluate the status of your nipple-areola graft. This would obviously involve removal of the bolus dressing.