Should I keep my nipple covered or let it air out? (Photos)

Hi and welcome to our forum!I am sorry to hear of your postoperative complication. The operative procedure of mastopexy (breast lift) involves separation of the skin and soft tissues of the breast from underlying breast tissue. The skin and soft tissue is then advanced downward and the excess skin and soft tissue is removed in an inverted "T" fashion.  If there is impairment of the blood supply to the breast skin and soft tissue, the segment of the flap the greatest distance from its blood supply may not survive (at the junction of the inverted "T" flaps). The cause of the blood supply impairment can range from effects of smoking, diabetes mellitus, vascular disease, previous surgery in the area (disrupting the normal blood supply), infection, or may totally inapparent.  The loss of tissue at the nipple areolar complex results from a similar phenomenon.Treatment consists of removal of the unhealthy tissue, followed by intensive wound care. One looks for the development of granulation tissue, a beefy red vascular tissue, to develop, after which time the wound will begin to shrink. Most wounds of this size will seal over a span of several months. However, a regimen of frequent wound care is required after unhealthy tissue is removed to prevent the development of infection. I personally do not like to see a dried out desiccated crusted wound under which an infection may be lurking.Contact your plastic surgeon if he / she is unaware of the problem and follow the instructions given. Send photos demonstrating the problem. You most likely will need to be evaluated and treated by a local physician. Best wishes...

You lost some tissue and need to keep them clean and covered so that you do not pick up more infection and slow the healing process down. Please find a physician to check you and watch your progress. You do not want this to infect your implants and have to have them removed.

Thanks for your inquiry. I am so sorry this is happening to you. I would recommend contacting your surgeon immediately. These areas on your breast need to be assessed by your surgeon sooner rather than later. Good luck.