Wrinkles on nipple after breast lift (Photo)

Question

I’m six months post op, and I still have these “wrinkles” on the top part of my nipples, following a breast lift without implants. I thought they’d smooth out, but apparently they won’t. I’m told that this is “normal” when you don’t get implants, because of lack of upper pole fullness. However, I didn’t have them before, and on one side in particular, it seems to me a consequence of suture.

Rajaie Hazboun, MD, MBA · Answer

Thank you for posting your question here!pleating of the skin after a breast lift is not uncommon , since you are essentially bringing a bigger circle ( the breast incision) to match a smaller circle ( the areola). This usually disappears with time, you are 6 months out , scars can take around a year to settle and mature . I would give it a little more time , follow your surgeons instructions and if it doesn't resolve by then a simple revision can likely fix the issue.
I hope this helps, Best of luck!

Gregory Lakin, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Wrinkles on the nipple area after a breast lift without implants can occur, especially when there is less upper pole fullness. This is because, without the extra volume provided by implants, the skin can sometimes fold or ripple due to how the breast tissue is reshaped and lifted. While this can be normal, you’re concerned that the appearance might be related to how the sutures were placed. Sometimes, if the sutures are too tight or placed in a way that pulls the skin unevenly, it can cause wrinkling around the nipple. Also, the wrinkling might be related to how the tissue healed after surgery. In these cases, a minor scar revision or adjustment of the sutures could help smooth out the area. Also, if you’re open to fat grafting or modest implants, this could reduce the appearance of wrinkles. However, you should discuss these options with your surgeon. They can assess the cause of the wrinkling in more detail and recommend the best course of action.

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry!  Skin laxity can sometimes cause wrinkles, as well as weight loss.  We would be happy to sit down and discuss your options.  Schedule a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to help you reach your goals.

Matthew C. Camp, MD · Answer

You are right. This is a consequence of sutures. When the areola is down sized and lifted, there is a strong possibility of some gathers and pleats. These generally subside with massage and patience. Implants do help stretch the skin and minimize the wrinkles, but if you don’t want or need implants, don’t get them.

Ira H. Rex lll, MD · Answer

I think that this irregularity may indeed be a consequence of suturing, and it may improve over the next year.  Excising the area and re-closing the wound may certainly improve the aesthetics, but it is probably too early to consider this.

Wrinkles on nipple after breast lift (Photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Skin pleating

Answer: Skin pleating

Answer: Wrinkles after a breast lift

Answer: Wrinkles after a breast lift

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Wrinkles on nipple after breast lift (Photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Skin pleating

Answer: Skin pleating

Answer: Wrinkles after a breast lift

Answer: Wrinkles after a breast lift

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift

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