The skin under my compression bra is flaking like dandruff. First it was only my nipples peeling, now it’s a lot of my skin?

Question

Just under a month after breast augmentation. Is this normal?

Christopher J. Davidson, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Dry skin can be treated with topical moisturizer.  Follow up with your plastic surgeon for his/her specific recommendations.  Good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Hi sheltielover33,  
  
I understand your concern. But, dry skin following a surgery is quite common. You can ask your plastic surgeon for recommendations on a good skin moisturizer that you can use. 
  
Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS
  
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery 
  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Richard H. Fryer, MD · Answer

Dry skin after breast augmentation is normal.  This is because the skin stretches out with the swelling initially and as the swelling subsides the outermost layer of skin (which is a layer of dead skin) does not contract as much and so this results in peeling.  Additionally your skin produces more layers of the dead skin in response to the "stretching".  This is normal and will subside.  You can use some gentle lotions to help with the symptoms if approved by your surgeon.

Chad Robbins, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  Yes, this is very normal after a surgery.  Your skin has stretched and the top layer of skin is dead skin cells so it tends to dry and flake .

David Kahng, MD · Answer

Dear sheltielover33,
Thank you for your question.  This is very common after surgery.  The epidermis throughout the body is constantly shedding, and with daily washing and rubbing, this layer sloughs off.  After surgery, many patients are not washing their skin as aggressively and tend to keep the area covered more often than before surgery.  This flaking skin is just the epidermis sloughing off at the same rate as the rest of the body, however, it is covered by the garment.  Now that you are a month out, you can gently rub the area while showering and pat dry like you do on the rest of the body.  If you have any specific concerns, I would recommend consulting your plastic surgeon directly.
Best regards,
David Kahng

Ronald V. DeMars, MD (Retired) · Answer

Dry skin is commonly seen after surgery and does not have any negative consequences. Use a good skin moisturizer approved by your surgeon and your skin will be back to its normal state soon.

The skin under my compression bra is flaking like dandruff. First it was only my nipples peeling, now it’s a lot of my skin?

Answers (6)

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