3 days post op. Is this areola colouring on my breasts normal? Is it just black blood or tissue death? (Photo)

Question

3 days post op. is this areola colouring on my breasts normal? is it just black blood/scabs/ dried blood or tissue death? (phtoto)...

S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS · Answer

Excellent and often asked question.  The pictures you have shown are that of a normal 3-day post breast lift/augmentation.  It is difficult to give you an absolute diagnosis on a 2-dimensional picture.  That being said, some of the really dark areas at the suture line are just dried blood which can be easily removed, more than likely showing normal tissue below.  Some of the dusky areas are due to venous congestion secondary to the movement of the nipple areolar complex with interruption of some of the venous drainage.  For this particular problem, if you were my patient, I would use nitroglycerine paste to open up some of the redundant venous channels that are present in all tissue.  In my practice, we also use DMSO to cut with an emollient in order to be non-irritating to human tissue.The fact that the nipple itself in the middle of the areola shows a great blood flow would indicate to me that you have an excellent chance of getting a completely healed nipple areolar complex, once all the swelling is down and mildly ischemic areas are revascularized.  All the above mumbo jumbo means your nipple areolar complex looks fine to me.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It appears you are healing normally from surgery.  The area you mentioned appears to be dried blood.  I recommend keeping in contact with your surgeon if you have questions about your healing as he/she is most familiar with the details of your surgery and how you've been progressing through recovery.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

At 3 days post op it is normal to look like this don't be scar,  but I recommend you consult with your PS about it.

Trent D. Douglas, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for submitting your question and photos.  It is always best to see the surgeon who performed your procedure to determine how your tissue is healing.  It is very difficult to assess from photographs.  Have regular follow up visits with your surgeon and follow his/her postoperative instructions carefully.  Your surgeon is best suited to guide you through the recovery process.  Best wishes on a speedy recovery and great result.

Lavinia K. Chong, MD · Answer

The nipple areolar complexes after a breast aug & lift may appear dusky (deep rose to maroon), depending on your intrinsic skin type.  Congestion of the NAC (nipple areolar complex) occurs because it is moved upwards, during the breast lift and may be somewhat "ischemic" (low blood flow state).  That's why we discourage application of ice packs, immediately post-op in BA/BL cases.  If the color remains abnormally dark and is accompanied by skin changes, such as blistering, swelling, don't wait until the whole complex turns black or frankly necrotic.  Keep your PS informed and ask for his/her input for management plans.

3 days post op. Is this areola colouring on my breasts normal? Is it just black blood or tissue death? (Photo)

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Answer: Areolar color after aug-pexy

Answer: Areolar color after aug-pexy

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3 days post op. Is this areola colouring on my breasts normal? Is it just black blood or tissue death? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Mommy Makeover Recovery

Answer: Mommy Makeover Recovery

Answer: Areolar color after aug-pexy

Answer: Areolar color after aug-pexy

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Mommy Makeover

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