Does this look like early stage nipple necrosis?

Question

Had breast reduction on Tuesday 1/16. Am now 3 days post op. Yesterday I noticed that the bottom half of my right Areola was bruised and blotchy looking. Saw my PS later that day and he assured me it was nothing to worry about, as this breast had considerably more tissue taken out and had to be lifted more. Im still worried- today it looks like the rest of the Areola is more gray as well. I go back for my post op next Tuesday, but the waiting is torture. Does this look like necrosis?

John Paul Tutela, MD · Answer

Thanks so much for reaching out. It doesn’t look like that nipple pierced to be struggling a bit. Likely it is just bruising and you may have some superficial layers slough off. I’ll make sure you keep in close contact with your surgeon. Sometimes in instances like these a nitroglycerin ointment can help improve the blood flow to the nipple.Hope this helps :-)

Andrea Marando, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and congratulation for your recent breast reduction. It is difficult to advice you online on the current status if the blood supply of your right nipple and areola without examining you. However, in consideration that you are only 3 days post-op, this would just be a deep bruise or a very superficial issue. Hopefully in the next few days the situation will be clearer. Keep close contact with your surgeon and should you see any significant change in color or discharge, you might want to see him/her to be reassessed.Best of luckAndrea Marando MDCertified, European Board of Plastic Surgery  Member, Am. Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, International Society of Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryManchester and London,  United Kingdom

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

What you have could be normal. It's a little early to know for sure. I advise my patients that skin healing likes moisture, and I have them apply plenty of ointment. Check on your surgeon's protocol.Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Jennifer,It does not appear to be necrosis, just some bruising that has made its way to the surface.  Over the next few days, it will show its true 'colors'.  Sometimes more bruising comes to the surface so don't get overly worried.Follow your Plastic Surgeons instructions.  He has the best advice as he sees you in person.Best of luck with your continued healing.  The breasts look great so far.Dr T

C. Coleman Brown, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,I understand your concern. It appears to be just superficial bruising and nothing too serious. You might have some very superficial skin come off, like a mild sunburn, but what's underneath is likely healthy. Apply a good layer of ointment such as neosporin to the area a few times daily and keep regular visits with your surgeon to make sure things are progressing in the right direction.Best,

Does this look like early stage nipple necrosis?

Answers (5)