I have green dry scab on my left nipple after breast lift / aug. Is this an infection? (Photo)

Question

I am 3 weeks post op ( will be 4 on wednesday) and I noticed some green old scabbing around my nipple and under my boob. Could this be possible infection? There's no other sign of infection only that my nipples are super sensitive to the cold weather and I'll get a tingling burning sensation when cold. Also when I'm cold I tend to tense up and now my boobs feel like cement . Is this normal ?

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

HEALING AFTER BREAST SURGERY, AUGMENTATION, LIFTS1.    pain is variable2.    it takes 2-3 months for implants to settle and muscles to relax3.    celebrex, motrin, and muscle relaxers can help4.    massage and stretching may help5.    everyone heals differently6.    4-7 days off from work is commonHEALING OF SENSORY NERVES: Tingling, burning or shooting pains, which will disappear with time and should not alarm you, indicate regeneration of the sensory nerves. If these sensations cause pain, repeated, local self-massage helps.ASYMMETRY: The two breasts commonly heal quite differently. One breast may swell more, feel more uncomfortable, or have a different initial shape. After complete healing, they will be more similar and natural. You must have patience, but if this causes concern, ask questions of the doctor or the nursing staff.SHAPE AND CONTOUR: The final shape of your breasts will start to look its best approximately three (3) months after surgery. It takes time for the skin and muscle to stretch and relax around the new implant. The breast will often look higher, firmer, and “less natural” in the first three (3) months. It can take up to a year to see your final result.FOLLOW-UP EXAMS: These are generally done in 1 week, 2 to 3 weeks, 3 to 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months to 1 year, and 1-2 year intervals. In our office we include all of your follow up appointments in the initial surgical fee.While it takes some time for both the implants and incisions to heal, and a scab alone may not mean infection. If you have questions or concerns about the healing process your own plastic surgeon will have the best answers and solutions. If healing is progressing as it should, then follow-up appointments are best and the area can be examined to make sure that everything is going well or if additional work is needed for correction or revision. Good luck!

Ira H. Rex lll, MD · Answer

your photos do not indicate a definite infection. Is quite common to have areas of slow healing which do very well with local care. Usually, it's a matter of keeping the area clean with soapy water and a very simple dressing. The symptoms you are feeling are very common and do not usually indicate anything worrisome.

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

The tensing and tingling is normal. Your photos do not demonstrate obvious signs of an infection. However, photos are not a substitute for an appropriately performed examination. Infection can only be diagnosed clinically and you should be examined by your plastic surgeon for any unusual areas.

Congratulations and best wishes, Dr. Aldo

Beverly Friedlander, MD · Answer

Hi,Congratulations on your decision to have a breast lift with augmentation.  From what I can see in the photos your results  look great.   Scabs can be normal at 3 -4 weeks after surgery, and do not represent any infection for you.  The nipple sensitivity is also normal, although not everyone gets it.  Massaging the nipples sometimes helps the sensitivity to resolve. The symptoms you are complaining about are associated with swelling and the natural healing process.  As the swelling improves, your symptoms should abate.  Good Luck,Beverly Friedlander MD

I have green dry scab on my left nipple after breast lift / aug. Is this an infection? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Post op scabbing

Answer: Post op scabbing

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Everything you need to know about Breast Lift with Implants

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I have green dry scab on my left nipple after breast lift / aug. Is this an infection? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Post op scabbing

Answer: Post op scabbing

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift with Implants

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