Nipple lost after breast lift no implants (Photo)

Question

Hi I've done a breast lift without implants and my nipple got a very bad bruising right after surgery. Now after a month this is how my areola looks like. I'm so afraid that this will NEVER look like a normal nipple again and that both nipples will look completely different from each other.. My doctor wants to get it healed for itself for now... but my fear is that even after healing this will never look like before... I want a honest answer and how this will end up ... :(( I cry almost everyday

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about the complication you have experienced.  Based on your photographs, the underlying tissue seems to be healthy;  I would expect that you will find the wound healed over the course the next several weeks. As you know,  the scar in that area will be wide but a scar revision (areola  reconstruction) once everything is healed will be a big step in the right direction when it comes to achieving areola symmetry. Sometimes, depending on the final outcome, pigment tattooing may be helpful as well. Keep in mind that things will look much much better down the line;  continued close followup with your plastic surgeon and focus on well balance nutritional support. Best wishes.

Yannis Alexandrides, MD, FACS · Answer

This is an approximately 60% areola loss. I would advise waiting until it has completely healed, and then depending on how it looks, consider revision surgery. Cosmetic tattooing could also be an option. I know that this is currently a stressful situation, but there are solutions out there that are available and the appearance will certainly improve.

Gregory Baum, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and photos. I have seen this before and the final results are usually not as bad as you might think. I think the open area looks quite clean and is trying to heal itself. At this point, I would clean up the wound and place a full thickness skin graft on the open area. After the skin graft has healed, you can then cut out the excess skin graft to better match the size of the areola on the left to that on the right. Lastly, once the skin graft has healed and the areolae size is symmetrical, you can then get the skin graft tattooed to the color of your natural areola. I hope this was helpful.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

I am so sorry you are going through this complication. Rest assured that while, it "will never be the same", once healed - the open wound will shrink in size. Once healed, the scar can be excised and improve shape and appearance tremendously. Allow your body to heal itself and give it enough time before attempting a scar revision. It typically takes at least 6 months before you can safely attempt a revision. Obviously, the longer you wait - the better! As others have mentioned, tattooing can also significantly improve outcome after revision. I do hope this helps. Best wishes and kind regards,

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

I am so sorry you are having this issue. You do need to give yourself time to heal, and may be surprised at just how well you will heal. Options do exist to improve the final outcome of your areola once healed. Please let your surgeon keep a close eye on your progress.

Nipple lost after breast lift no implants (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Nipple lost after breast lift no implants

Answer: Nipple lost after breast lift no implants

Answer: Healing

Answer: Healing

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Nipple lost after breast lift no implants (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Nipple lost after breast lift no implants

Answer: Nipple lost after breast lift no implants

Answer: Healing

Answer: Healing

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift

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