Normal to have slow healing/bruised nipples after preventative mastectomy, as well as to add more saline to this side? (Photo)

Question

I had a preventative double mastectomy on 9/21/17. I visited my PS last week and have to keep my drains in, however my left nipple has delayed healing. It was "bruised" and is now peeling, and I am doing twice daily wet dressing changes. This side (left) has 350cc of saline, however in surgery showed less blood flow than the right side. The right side has only 300cc of air and is doing very well. Is this normal, and could this have been a mistake to place MORE volume on the affected side?

James D. Frost, MD · Answer

Your surgeon is the best one to guide you through the postoperative course since he/she has been with you since the beginning.  It appears that you are off to a good start.  It will take many months to heal.

Jonathan Saunders, MD · Answer

the immediate nipple sparing mastectomy reconstruction involves many judgement calls. in his opinion it was safe to expand a little further.  the partial loss of a nipple is not unusual and usually jeals quite nicely.  be patient

Paul J. Leahy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. I actually think everything looks ok. It is very common to have portions of the nipple-areolar complex that have some delayed healing after nipple-sparing mastectomy. I see it all of the time. The good news is that they tend to heal remarkably well in time. It sounds like your surgeon was able to give you a good "head start" on the expansion, and I bet you will look great once it's all healed. Hang in there, and best of luck to you.

Jules Walters, MD · Answer

This can be common after nipple sparing mastectomies.  Be sure to maintain close communication with your plastic surgeon.  Congrats on your reconstruction.  Best wishes.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon for a patient to have a bruised nipple after a nippel sparing mastectomy.  Follow up closely with your surgeon.

Normal to have slow healing/bruised nipples after preventative mastectomy, as well as to add more saline to this side? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Healing

Answer: Healing

Answer: Nipple sparing mastectomy

Answer: Nipple sparing mastectomy

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Normal to have slow healing/bruised nipples after preventative mastectomy, as well as to add more saline to this side? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Healing

Answer: Healing

Answer: Nipple sparing mastectomy

Answer: Nipple sparing mastectomy

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reconstruction

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