How quickly would there be signs that the nipple had died after breast lift surgery? (Photo)

Question

Does this look normal? 7 days post op.

Fady A. Sinno, MD · Answer

I do not see any sign of nipple compromise. At 7 days, your nipples would be black if they were "dead"(necrotic). If you are concerned about nipple numbness, it is common early post-op after a lift and usually resolves spontaneously. Numbness is not the same as necrosis from poor blood supply. Compromised circulation would be evident in the 1st few days post-op.  I hope this helps!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Hi dandrews40, I understand you are concerned with your nipples following breast lift surgery. Nipple necrosis appear black or purple, as it does not receive ample blood supply that allows healing and recovery. Based on your photos, your nipples appear pink and does not show any signs of nipple necrosis. Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
  
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery 
  
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your breast lift you seem to be healing very nice I do not see any signs of nipple necrosis. Continue to follow up with your PS.

David Finkle, MD · Answer

If the blood supply to the nipples was compromised, the skin wound turn blue/purple/black.  Since your nipples are nice and pink, you are fine!Good Luck!

Robert H. Hunsaker, MD · Answer

Everything looks totally normal and it is highly unlikely there would be any new decrease in blood supply at this point. I would expect good progress from now on.

H. Daniel Zegzula, MD · Answer

Nipple necrosis would be very apparent by day 7.  You seem to be healing very well from your recent surgery.  Continue to follow your PS instructions and you will do fine, congrats!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Often a nipple issue develops within the first few days either acutely or after developing a hematoma. Based solely on the photos, it does not look like that is occurring with you.  Any concerns you have should be addressed in person by your surgeon..

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Yes, you appear to be healing very nicely; there is no evidence of compromised blood supply.   Generally, compromised blood flow comes clinically evident very quickly (within one to two days) after this type of surgery. Best wishes.

Jorge Jiménez Toribio, MD · Answer

Hi dear.. Thank you for your question and the provided picture.I'd recommend consulting your doctor and expressing your concerns about any significant appearance or pain. It is hard to give a proper assessment without first seeing you in person. In case you don't feel comfortable talking to your PS then I'd suggest seeking out other opinions from board certified plastic surgeons near you.Hope this helps!Dr. Jiménez Toribio Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon.

Daniel Zeichner, MD · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
Signs of loss of the nipple-areolar complex include: 
1. white appearance at the end of the procedure...need to reexplore
2. bluish color at end of procedure may signal venous congestion (will blanch and color will return after application of gentle pressure) or arterial compromise leading to tissue loss (if dark blue and non-blanching).
3. progression to black / crust = tissue loss...within 7-10 days
Your photo appears normal at the 7th day...
Continue followup with your surgeon.
Best wishes...

How quickly would there be signs that the nipple had died after breast lift surgery? (Photo)

Answers (13)

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