Is my nipple infected?

Question

This is a photo taken today. To me, it looks like the nipple is healing and starting to fill in compared to the original post but my sister, who is a nurse thinks it looks infected. I just saw my surgeon on Thursday and she did not mention anything about an infection.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

If you recently underwent Top Surgery,then it is still very soon into your #healing. Therefore, your incisions and #nipples will go through a maturation #process. For the first few months they will be red and possibly raised and/or firm. As the scar matures, after 6-12 months, it becomes soft, pale, flat, and much less noticeable. You may experience numbness, tingling, burning, “crawling”, or other peculiar sensations around the surgical area. This is a result of the #healing of tiny fibers which are trapped in the incision site.Being your doctor did not voice concern, it may be best to contact she or he and inquire further. It is possible you may need to apply a topical #healing #ointment per their permission. However, it's best to confirm such beforehand and the type best suitable for you.

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

This is not infected.  This is one of the possible loos of a full thickness nipple graft.  The local wound care will be enough to get the healing accomplished.

Michael S. Beckenstein, MD · Answer

This does not appear to be infected. Continue with the wound care prescribed by your surgeon and you should be fin!

Jane M. Rowley, MD · Answer

No it is not infected.  Simplified the yellowish color is from the plasma cells that stimulate healing.  Jane

Babak Dadvand, MD · Answer

Hi MrCal,Thanks for the post and photo. The nipple/areola graft does not appear infected in this photo. In fact, there looks to be an improvement over the previous photo.  Signs of infection include redness, increased swelling, warmth to the touch, and increased pain. Sincerely,Dr. Dadvand

Is my nipple infected?

Answers (6)

Answer: Infection

Answer: Infection

Answer: Nipple is not Infected

Answer: Nipple is not Infected

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Everything you need to know about Masculinizing Top Surgery

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Is my nipple infected?

Answers (6)

Answer: Infection

Answer: Infection

Answer: Nipple is not Infected

Answer: Nipple is not Infected

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Masculinizing Top Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.