Dark Nipple After Gynecomastia and Areola Reduction Surgery?

Following #Gynecomastia #surgery, your incisions will go through a maturation #process. For the first few months they will be red and possibly raised and/or firm. As the scar matures, after 6-12 months, it becomes soft, pale, flat, and much less noticeable. You may experience numbness, tingling, burning, “crawling”, or other peculiar sensations around the surgical area. This is a result of the #healing of tiny fibers which are trapped in the incision site. These symptoms will disappear. Some people are prone to keloids, which is an abnormal scar that becomes prominent. If you or a blood relative has a tendency to keloid formation, please inform the doctor.

Bruising and #swelling are normal and usually increase slightly after the removal of any tape or foam. The bruising will decrease over 3-4 weeks, but may last as long as 6 weeks. The majority of the swelling will be gone within the first 3-4 weeks. However, it may take 6-9 weeks to disappear completely. Also, as you heal, the area may feel “lumpy” and irregular. This, too, decreases with time, and massaging these areas will help soften the scar tissue. The #compression garment helps reduce the swelling, and the longer it is worn, the more quickly you will #heal. It can also assist in the retraction of the skin. If you have any concerns about #healing, its best to ask questions of your surgeon or their nursing staff.

It is not uncommon for the areola to look slightly darker after surgery. Capillary refill should be assesed to insure adequate vascularity.

Hi 60642,Thank you for the post and the photo. There is a natural darkening of the areola and nipple after gynecomastia surgery. Take for example a balloon that you color with a black marker. When the balloon is inflated it appears lighter than when it is deflated. However, in your case the discrepancy between the areolas can also be due to circulation disturbance. I would keep in close communication with you plastic surgeon. Sincerely,Dr. Dadvand