Beginning of nipple necrosis? (photos)

Question

I am currently 8 days post op from a breast reduction and lift. Just wondering if I should be concerned about a dark spot on one of my nipples. I cannot tell if it is normal bruising or if it is loosing blood flow? Not seeing my plastic surgeon for post op follow up appointment for another 5 days and am worried that I should be going sooner?

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

You nipple looks nice and pink in the pictures and appears to have good blood supply. The dark stained steristrips that are surrounding your nipple are likely just blood-tinged scabs that are underlying the steristrips and not anything to be concerned about. You should call your plastic surgeon to discuss your concerns so that he/she can decide whether to evaluate you sooner however, based on your pictures the nipple looks viable. #BreastReduction #Recovery #Scars #WoundHealing #Nipple

Tracy Kayan, MD · Answer

Thank you for including the photos - the encouraging thing I see is that aside from this one dark spot, the rest of your nipple appears pink, which is a sign of good blood flow. It's hard to tell without really seeing this in person close up, but it could either be just some blood or possibly a small area of the nipple that is sloughing off (just the outer layer of skin). The fact that there is a lot of blood under the white tape adjacent to the area you are wondering about makes me think it's more likely to just be some blood there causing the appearance of the dark spot on your nipple, but of course it'll be best to ask your surgeon when you see him/her in the coming days.

Adrian Smith, MD · Answer

The bulk of your NAC (nipple areola complex) looks fine.  At one week if there were going to be significant problems your picture would look much different.  It is hard to tell about the bottom edge at the 4-5oclock position. The dark area is a bit concerning but it may be dried blood. Once the strips come off and the wounds edges are cleaned you will have a much clearer picture of what's going on.

Beginning of nipple necrosis? (photos)

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Beginning of nipple necrosis? (photos)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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