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Periareolar Scar and Areoal Very Wide

I had periareolar lift and implants done approx 5 months ago. My areolas are now huge, they are twice the size they were before the procedure. My scar is also red and wide. I have had alot of problems with the sutures. Suture abcessess to be specific. I am still pulling stitches out randomly. My surgeon said when I heal we can do scar revision but this will require vertical scar to keep areola from stretching. How long will this vertical scar be. Is there a different stitch to use.

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areola scar tissue

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15 Doctor Answers | Asked by Oklahoma City7682 in Oklahoma City, OK

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Correcting a periareola breast lift that causes areola to stretch/grow

A periareolar mastopexy is a great operation if kept within the appropriate parameters for its use. That is, to diminish the size of enlarged areola and also to raise the nipple areola a small amount which you can see in first degree ptosis (breast droop). Unfortunately, when you try to get too much out of the procedure, the major complication is nipple areola spread and this is exacerbated in your case by loss of the supporting sutures because of the suture reaction and abscesses’. I... more

Breast aug-pexy is a difficult operation!

Recently one of the leading breast surgeons published a letter stating what many of us know, namely breast implants and a lift, concurrently is a difficult operation. Many women ask about "short scar" mastopexies (breast lifts) and bring in photos of either periareolar (around the areolar) or crescent (above the areolar) lifts, at the same time asking to be "high and tight" D cups. A PS' responsibility is to explain why superior pole fullness, large... more

Lavinia Chong, MD

22 reviews

Orange County Plastic Surgeon

www.chongmd.com

Widened areola and scars after breast surgery

its difficult to say what you may need in terms of revisional surgery without a photo and physical exam. it sounds like your surgeon is recommending a revisionary plan with a circumvertical mastopexy technique. I would wait at least 6 months to allow time for healling before proceeding with a revision.

Large areola after limited breast lift to be repaired with conversion to vertical lift

It is best for the skin tension to subside prior to scar revision which may take up to 9 months. Oftentimes the areola can be reduced with conversion to a vertical and the length of the scar will depend on the extent of the reduction. This typically extends down to the crease but your surgeon can draw this on your skin so that you will have a better idea.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Stretched areolas and scars common after peri-areaolar lift and implants

One technique for breast lifting is by making the incision only around the areola. This seems like a great idea becuase the scar is limited to just around the areola. The problem is that poor scar formation is very common. The scar can be even worse when this incision is used for botha lift and implants. I rarely perform this procedure because I find that the risk of poor scar and stetched (wide) areolars is not worth it. Instead, I prefer an incision that resembles a... more

Periareolar breast lift and implants - high rate of complications!

I have studied this technique, specifically the Binelli technique of periareolar lift with breast augmentation since my training in residency and there is an EXTREMELY high rate of areolar widening, at least 50%. I think it is worsened by how big the implant is and how much skin is removed. There have been a few suture techniques such as those designed by Hammond that can prevent some of this but it is very common. The infamous Tara Reid case that has surfaced in... more

Breast lifts can be done with or without a vertical scar

Breast lifts are good options for hanging breasts. These can be done within either a periareolar scar or a vertical scar. Each option has it's pros and cons. I am sorry that you are having these issues. The suture issue will end. Some patients do have a tough time with sutures. It's hard to predict. If a braided suture was used before - switching to a monofilament may help

What can go wrong with the Benelli breast lift

The around the nipple breast lift has the advantage of precluding a vertical scar, however the procedure is very prone to relapse with a return of the droop, and a dilatation of the nipple areola. The Benelli lift with the 'blocking' suture aimed at reducing the scar and nipple spread is not always effective. Your breast lift has developed all of the problems and the vertical breast lift pattern may save the day. The vertical scar may extend from the nipple to the fold,... more

Widened areola

If a permanent suture was not used, or it was lost because of the infection, your areola will widen. This is one of the most difficult procedures. Be patient, and it can probably be improved in time.

Periareola scar

I am sorry you have so many problems. Usually a periareola incision is closed with a permanent suture to prevent spreading of the areola. When an implant is place, it can stretch the areola.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Periareolar Scar and Areoal Very Wide

Sorry for the issue. The length of the vertical scar is approx. 4 inches at the minimum. Best to get a second opinion and ask this question so the doctor can draw it on your breasts. From MIAMI Dr. Darryl j. Blinski

Peri-areolar breast lift scars can be troublesome

The peri-areolar breast lift is a great procedure for a small sub-set of patients- those that need a very small amount of lift, or need areolar diameter reduction. The areolar diameter can be kept 'fixed and stable' by using a permanent interlocking 'blocking' suture - this is a good procedure, but tends to blunt the breast projection somewhat. I use it sparingly. Its unfortunate that you need a revision of your breast lift. Your plastic surgeon is correct in recommending a... more

Wide areolar scars - what to do

This is not an uncommon problem. Sometimes it occurs due to the periareolar suture breaking before everything has healed. And other times it may be due to the patient not dissolving the absorbable suture and getting minor infections. Either way you have stretched out areolas and you want to correct it. I have found over the past 10 years i am decreasing the number of periareolar mastopexies and increasing the number of vertical for this reason. It takes the... more

Pushing the limits of a periareolar lift

It sounds like your doctor may have tried to avoid the vertical scar when you possibly needed one from the start. You should let things heal and proceed with the vertical lift or visit some other surgeons who can examine you too. Make sure if you do that to bring preop pictures of you so the new doctors can judge whether a periareolar could be re-done or if the vertical was what you needed from the start. Also, most use a permanent suture of some type to keep the areola... more

Breast Lift and "doughnut" or peri-areola technique

The peri-areola breast lift is often done using a non-absorbable suture around the areola that cinches it much like a purse-string. If the suture fails the areola becomes wide. The incision may spread or become wide depending on how soon after surgery this occurs. From what you describe your surgeon is converting you from a peri-areola breast lift to a vertical breast lift. Typically the incisions are around the areola and down towards the crease of your breast like a lollipop. In... more