Does this look normal? My nipple seems to be burnt and blisters are forming around the incisions (Photo)

Question

I am about 11 days out from breast reduction surgery & I noticed my right nipple looks different from the left. I haven’t lost any sensation. I have read about nipple necrosis & I’m concerned about that. Would there be any sensitivity with necrosis? The nipple seems to be burnt & blisters are forming. Is this a normal part of the healing process? The area is very sensitive to the touch. The right breast is way more bruised than the left so I was wondering if this had anything to do with it.

Sam Jejurikar, MD · Answer

I don't see any obvious signs of nipple or areola necrosis in either breast. Your right areola and nipple does seem a little more bruised than the left side, which definitely can happen under normal circumstances.Hope this helps - Sam Jejurikar, MD

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Based on your picture it looks like you are healing well, I recommend you follow up with your PS to discuss your concerns.best wishes.

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

It is always difficult to advise on photos and a face to face review with your PS is always recommended if you have concerns but it is not unusual for wounds to look like this at this stage.

Matthew H. Steele, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos.  Sorry to hear about that you are having trouble.  From what I can see, you appear to be more bruised on that side, and the bruising is involving your nipple/areola.  At 11 days, you would like know if the nipple is necrotic.  The fact that you have sensation is a good sign, as the nerves travel with the blood vessels, indicating blood flow.  Superficial blisters can occur when there is more tension due to swelling.  These will generally resolve with local wound care.  Best to check with your surgeon in person.  Good luck.

Giovanna Ghafoori, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your breast reduction, Jbsluder!Thank you for sharing your photos and your concern regarding possible nipple necrosis.  With either a breast reduction or a breast lift, the circulation to the breasts, and particularly to the nipples, is stressed and there may be areas of compromise.  Blisters may form when there is some decreased circulation to the skin, causing some damage to the layers, but not enough to damage the skin through and through.  The presence of sensation means that the deeper layers of the skin that house the nerve branches is alive and well!  The changes that the skin may go through when there has been a decrease in the circulation may take days to weeks to fully evolve or "demarcate."  If the skin damage is very superficial, the area will simply heal beneath the blisters; if the damage is still superficial but a little deeper, there will be some sloughing of the top layer of skin and a raw surface beneath that will then go on to heal; if a deeper process, the skin may turn into a yellowish or white, waxy tissue called "fibrin" that will then gradually slough (or need to be cut out) -- once the fibrin is out, the body will fill in the area with a pink tissue ("granulation") and then the defect will heal.Looking at your photos, the skin changes appear to be minimal and your results look very nice.  Your surgeon will be in the best position to help monitor the skin's/incision's progress and to make any treatment recommendations should any be needed.  Best of luck, and a speedy recovery!  Dr. Ghafoori

Rick C. Becker, MD · Answer

The right side has more ecchymosis (bruising) which will change the appearance temporarily.  I will begin to look more like the left side in the coming weeks.

Does this look normal? My nipple seems to be burnt and blisters are forming around the incisions (Photo)

Answers (6)

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