Puffy areola 8 weeks post breast lift w/augmentation. Is this normal? (photos)

Question

I had a breast lift w/ under muscle implants 8 weeks ago via a highly recommended but out of state DR. At first I wasn't concerned with the shape of my areolas because both sides were swollen but since then my right side has taken on a very puffy, almost mushroom top appearance. I'm not due to see the DR for follow up for 1 more month & I'm worried. Is this a normal part of the healing process? No pain or inflammation but still no feeling in either nipple. Thanks in advance for your reply.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

Your areolas were made excessively large for the keyhole eventually used in the lift.  This disparity has resulted in a herniated areola.  This can be corrected by excising excess areolar skin.  This can be done in the office under local anesthesia.

Alexander Zuriarrain, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your photographs I highly recommend you return to your plastic surgeon for a follow-up visit. Your areola are protruding significantly and will likely require a revision surgery to correct the deformity. They are protruding more than expected after a mastopexy-augmentation. You should not expect to regain sensation in your nipples. As part of the informed consent process, I explain to all of my patients that it can sometimes take years for the sensation to return to their nipples, if at all. 
All the best!
Alex Zuriarrain, MD, Plastic Surgery

Edwin C. Pound, III, MD · Answer

Based on your pictures, your areolae definitely appear to protrude too much.  It will probably require a secondary surgery such as a periareolar lift type procedure to correct this problem.  I would suggest that you address this issue with your surgeon when you see him in a month.

Joseph Brown, MD, FACS · Answer

Reach out to your surgeon and ask to be seen so you can discuss your concerns with him/her. You should never feel ashamed or concerned about "bothering" your surgeon. When you and your surgeon developed a doctor-patient relationship, you opened a line of communication that should remain open until your questions have been answered. This relationship should not be reserved only for when things are "hunky-dory". If your appointment isn't for another month, then give the office a call and let them know you've got concerns and would like to be seen sooner. You have that right as your doctor's patient. 
Good luck.

Puffy areola 8 weeks post breast lift w/augmentation. Is this normal? (photos)

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Everything you need to know about Breast Lift with Implants

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Puffy areola 8 weeks post breast lift w/augmentation. Is this normal? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Is this normal

Answer: Is this normal

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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.