What are my chances of restoring my former breasts? (photos)

Question

Last year I had surgery for purulent mastitis in my left breast - the wound wouldn't heal after that, so I had two more surgeries and my nipple is now distorted. I am concerned about nipple reconstruction, scars, and breast asymmetry (after these operations, the left breast is much smaller than the right). What are my chances of restoring my former breasts (I attach a photo, before and now)? I also had a nipple piercing before - can I get it back after reconstruction? Thank you!

Derek Fletcher, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It may be the different lighting and angle of your photos, but it looks like you have lost weight in addition to having had left breast mastitis and multiple surgeries. If so, did your weight loss affect your breast shape and size?
Generally speaking, waiting a minimum of 12 months after your last surgery is a good idea to allow your immune system to eliminate any remaining bacteria from within your tissues that was not treated with antibiotics and surgery. Waiting 1 year also allows your scar tissue to mature and become soft and pliable so that your surgeon can be as precise as possible in planning and performing your operation(s). 
Restoring your breast contour and volume can be achieved with liposuction and fat grafting. Sometimes it is necessary to consider using a small implant as well. If a scar revision is needed to optimize your breast scars, it may be strategic to do that before your other reconstructive surgery procedures. A physical exam is necessary to determine which combination of operations you need and if more than one surgery should be planned.

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @MorgianaLawless, thank you for your question. You can have breast reconstruction that can improve aspects such as uniformity between the size of the nipples and the amount of volume you have in each breast. To determine what the best course of action is, a personalized consultation is required, in which all aspects are considered. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science” Member (IFATS), American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP)

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear MorgianaLawless,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Ram Kalus, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. A consultation in person would be required to properly evaluate you and advise you specifically. Scars from previous surgery can possibly be improved, and asymmetry can be corrected to a significant extent with proper implant selection. Please schedule a consultation with an experienced board certified plastic surgeon whose aesthetics align with your own. Best of luck to you.

What are my chances of restoring my former breasts? (photos)

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What are my chances of restoring my former breasts? (photos)

Answers (4)

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