Nipple problems after gynecomastia surgery? (Photo)

Question

Hi there. 4 weeks ago i had gyno surgery in both sides. A few days after i noticed that half of my left nipple turned Black, and half of the skin came off. Doc says it happens sometimes and not to worry. Now 4 weeks after the lower half is pink and the nipple is flat, not "pointy" in the middle and the scar is big compared to the right. Will the color return? Will the center of the nipple be "pointy" and normal again? Can i do anything to minimize/soften the scar or heal the damaged nipple?

Ronald Schuster, MD · Answer

It looks like you had a little delayed healing. When this happens to the nipple, the nipple will turn pink like it did. Then it takes about 3 months for the color to return. Hang in there.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Your incisions will go through a maturation #process following #Gynecomastia #surgery. 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. In the future, if you are concerned with scars, with your surgeon's approval you may be able to use scar management treatments such as Biocornuem,  Scar Guard, Scar Fade,  IPL Laser,  Yag Laser,   5fu/Kenalog for thick scars, or silicone sheeting. If you have any concerns about #healing, its best to ask questions of your surgeon or their nursing staff.

Tim Neavin, MD · Answer

Thank you for the photos.  At this point, you should let the tissues heal.  This often improves over time.  If there remains and color irregularities, this is easily correctible.  Scars that are wide can be excised.  Not to worry.

Mark T. Boschert, MD · Answer

Hang in there, it will get better. The color will return but that can take months. As far as the nipple projection you may need to have something else done, But I would wait at least eight weeks before thinking about that. I will talk to your surgeon and I'm sure they will be able to help you get a better shape.Good luck!

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

Not much you can do at this point as it appears that you had a wound healing problem.  After the area has healed completely a revision may be in order.

Nipple problems after gynecomastia surgery? (Photo)

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Answer: Wound healing problem after gynecomastia surgery

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Nipple problems after gynecomastia surgery? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Male breast reduction

Answer: Male breast reduction

Answer: Wound healing problem after gynecomastia surgery

Answer: Wound healing problem after gynecomastia surgery

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Gynecomastia Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.