10 days post-op. Am I losing my nipple after breast reduction? (photos)

  I recommend an in-office examination as well as a detailed discussion with a surgeon who you are comfortable with. Finally, make sure your surgeon is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS).Best,Dr. DesaiBeverly Hills Institute for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryHarvard Educated, Beverly Hills & Miami Beach TrainedDouble Board-Certified, Double Fellowship-Trained Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

your nipples will be fine.  You’re getting some peeling and scabs around the edges but it will all heal in over time.  A week or two maybe.  Not to worry.

Dear saoirseK,
it is hard to tell for sure, but based on your photos, it looks like you have a small area of marginal necrosis which will probably heal fine. I suggest you to consult your plastic surgeon and follow his instructions in order to promote healing. 
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hello, and thank you for your question. (Keep in mind that an in-person consultation is necessary for the best advice.) Based on your photos, there appears to be some injury to your nipple/areola. Whether it is partial-thickness or full-thickness is difficult to say. You should follow up closely with your plastic surgeon. Best of luck!
Matthew A. DelMauro, M.D.

Hello.  I am sorry you are experiencing this.  Looking at your photos I believe you technically have 'partial thickness' necrosis of the portion you are referencing.  That usually heals just fine with ointment and a bandaid.  rarely it can leave a pigment change in the skin.  that too, usually improves over time.  Be sure to let your surgeon know.  Best of luck to you.

Concerns such as these really can’t be answered by reviewing photographs.  Your nipples look healthy at this stage although the wound lines around them are separated.   You should address your concerns with your surgeon and follow their post operative guidelines.

Hi- thanks for posting the pic. This looks normal-- just the edges are a little "iffy" and the very most top layer of skin will slough off like a blister, but the actual Nipple and most of the areola looks OK. Hang in there and follow the wound care advice from your surgeon-- she knows best.Breast Wishes,

Thank you for your question.From your description and photos it appears you have mild amount of epidermolysis which is peeling of the outer layer of skin.  It should not be a long term issue based on your photos.  Follow your plastic surgeon’s post op instructions and you should do fine.Best Dr. L

Healing tissue on one's own body can be disconcerting.  I often describe to my patients that they may have "an out of body experience" until their results finalize.  This may leave you fearful about an outcome.  When you choose a surgeon, you invest a lot of trust in that person.  Rely on your surgeon and their staff to help you get through your post-op care.  Plastic surgery offices are used to supporting people during this time of worry.  

Based on these photos, your nipple looks fine for 10 days after the breast reduction surgery. The peeling of your upper skin layer in this area is normal and is a process that many individual's tissues go through during the early healing phase.  Your nipples should be fine based on your photos.