Why are my areolas not healing 15days post areola reduction, lift and implants?? (photos)

Question

My surgeon says I'm a slow healer. The stitches were not able to come out 7daysbafyer surgery so my doctor waited 12days. But I still have open wounds around areola. He is having me put special ointment on daily and keep them covered with this medicated yellow tape. But they are still not healing. They look very uneven and completely different sizes. Should I be worried? What can I do to make the open wounds heal faster and dos the doctor not do the reduction correctly??

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,You were not an ideal candidate for this procedure. You have lost the outer layer of skin due to decreased blood flow to the nipple areolar complex.  It was not due to tension, but more likely constriction of the entire nipple areolar complex by a deep lasso-like stitch that goes around it.You will heal, but you will likely have loss of pigmentation of your areolar skin and thickened scars, all of which will be much more conspicuous and unappealing than if you had a proper breast lift with incisions on the breast. Additionally, your breast shape will be flattened, the nipple remain low, and you'll have persistent ptosis of breast tissue below your implant.  All of this will drive you back to the operating room. The fix is the surgery you should of had: a formal breast lift. Best of luck.

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

Thank you for the photos.  It does appear that you have had some partial areola necrosis or loss which is why the wound looks the way it does.It is imperative that you follow up with your plastic surgeon to make certain that the area heals well as you have implants sitting underneath that area.Good luck.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello
dear, thanks for your question and provided information as well… 
I have to say that you are still early on healing process, it is too soon to
determine how your results are going to be, per now, they look very nice and
beautiful, you can have one bigger than the other, feel swollen and also have
bruises and open wounds, it is normal and that can happen for the first 3 to 4
months until your implants have settle in. I recommend you to wait and keep
using your post surgical bra, that will help you with the shape and support. Hugs!

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

The reason your areolas are not healing optimally, is because you had a donut mastopexy which results in all of the tension being transferred to your areolas. The donut mastopexy is associated with a widened aroela scar and sunburst stretch marks which you will be observing over the next few months; this is why I prefer the vertical mastopexy which transfers the tension away from the areoala and to the lower breast pole.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

As others have stated the problem is that there has been restriction or limitation of blood flow to the periphery of your areola most likely caused by a combination of the lift and the tight pursestring suture placed around the areola.  You will heal but expect that she may have some loss of pigmentation in those areas that look pink now.  Far in the future you may be able to have a revision to correct the loss of pigmentation.  Please keep in touch with your plastic surgeon for wound care instructions.

Why are my areolas not healing 15days post areola reduction, lift and implants?? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: You areaolas not healing

Answer: You areaolas not healing

Answer: Why are my areolas not healing 15days post areola reduction, lift and implants??

Answer: Why are my areolas not healing 15days post areola reduction, lift and implants??

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Everything you need to know about Breast Lift with Implants

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Why are my areolas not healing 15days post areola reduction, lift and implants?? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: You areaolas not healing

Answer: You areaolas not healing

Answer: Why are my areolas not healing 15days post areola reduction, lift and implants??

Answer: Why are my areolas not healing 15days post areola reduction, lift and implants??

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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.