How to fix the thin red skin around my nipple area after gynecomastia donut lift? (Photo)

Question

I'm a 42 yr old male, 100kg with a case gynecomastia. I did the donut lift in april 2023. My incisions slightly opened up and they had to stitch the areas again. However due to the elasticity of my skin it didn't close up properly. And after a year i am left with a stretched thin red skin around my nipple area.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello Nasery82,

Thank you for reaching out with your concerns following your doughnut gynecomastia surgery. It's unfortunate that you are experiencing issues with the incisions and the appearance of thin, red skin around your nipple area.

Incision issues, such as reopening and subsequent stretching of the skin around the nipple areola complex, are not uncommon and can indeed be challenging. To address this, a revision of the doughnut mastopexy might be necessary. During this procedure, any redundant scar tissue would be removed, and the nipple areola complex would be resized to ensure a more aesthetically pleasing and symmetrical appearance.

After the surgical revision, another viable option to consider is medical-grade tattooing to enhance the color and texture appearance of the nipple areola complex. Medical-grade tattooing is often used effectively for cosmetic enhancements post-surgery, including in breast reconstruction cases.

If you prefer a less invasive approach initially, you could also consider medical tattooing to camouflage the discolored skin. However, it's important to note that tattooing on scar tissue might not always yield ideal results due to the texture and variable absorption of the ink.

A repeat doughnut mastopexy followed by medical-grade tattooing a few months post-procedure could provide a comprehensive solution to achieve a natural-looking result.

I recommend discussing these options with your surgeon to decide the best course of action based on the specific characteristics of your skin and the current condition of the surgical site.

Good luck, and I hope this response has been helpful in addressing your concerns.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS
Plastic Surgeon

James Knoetgen, III, MD · Answer

After a gynecomastia donut lift, it is not uncommon to experience thin or red skin around the nipple area due to the surgical procedure. Here are some general guidelines to help with healing and reducing redness: 
1. Follow Post-Op Instructions: Strictly adhere to the post-operative care instructions provided by your plastic surgeon. These often include wound care, medications, and activity restrictions. 
2. Keep the Area Clean and Dry: Gently clean the area as recommended by your plastic surgeon, usually with mild soap and water. Avoid submerging the area in water until cleared by your plastic surgeon. 
3. Use Prescribed Medications: Apply any prescribed topical ointments or creams as directed. These may include antibiotic ointments or silicone-based gels that help with healing and scar reduction. 
4. Moisturize: Once the initial healing phase is over and with your plastic surgeon’s approval, use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated. 
5. Avoid Sun Exposure: Protect the area from sun exposure to prevent pigmentation changes. Use a high-SPF sunscreen if the area will be exposed to sunlight. 
6. Wear Supportive Garments: If your plastic surgeon recommends compression garments, wear them as directed to help reduce swelling and support the healing issues. 
7. Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a healthy diet and stay hydrated to support overall healing. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption, as these can impair healing. 
8. Monitor for Signs of Infection: Watch for signs of infection such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge. Contact your plastic surgeon immediately if you notice these symptoms. 
9. Scar Massage: After the incisions have fully healed, your plastic surgeon may recommend gentle scar massage to help soften the tissue and reduce redness. 
10. Consult Your Surgeon: If the redness and thin skin persist or worsen, consult your plastic surgeon. They may recommend additional treatments such as laser therapy, steroid injections, or other interventions to improve the skin’s appearance and texture. 
Always communicate any concerns or unusual symptoms with your healthcare provider to ensure proper healing and address any complications early.

How to fix the thin red skin around my nipple area after gynecomastia donut lift? (Photo)

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