Had necrosis removed from my areola after my breast reduction 6 weeks post partum (photos)

Question

Had necrosis removed now I'm stuck packing a huge hole every day wet to dry my nipple looks like it's getting super small and closing up what now? I'm going to see a new plastic surgeon because I need a second opinion I'm so self conscious now and stuck with a nasty hole will it heal up am I even going to have a nipple the hole is about 2-3 inches deep and still brown at the bottom of the hole and about 2 inches wide probable same size of a thumb width and length HELP

Mark Solomos, MD · Answer

Really sorry to see that you have developed nipple necrosis in your breast, you are very unfortunate. Nevertheless don't lose hope, the situation can be improved but brace yourself because this will be a very long process! First the necrotic wound needs to heal and then the process of nipple reconstruction can begin. For now there is still necrotic tissue there so that needs to be addressed by your surgeon, maybe with vac dressing or debridement surgically.good luck and don't lose hope

Tracy Kayan, MD · Answer

I am very sorry to hear of your experience after your surgery. It does sound like you are doing the right thing, but I know it can be very difficult to be patient through this when you are looking at a large hole in your breast, and more frustrating sometimes because this surgery is often "elective." I have had this happen to a patient before, and it is just part of the risk (though fortunately rare) with a breast reduction. There is sometimes some non-viable breast tissue/fat deeper in the breast, so it's best to keep the area open with packing and allow the tissue to drain out over time. Your body will naturally fill in the divot with healthy tissue, but this may take several weeks and a lot of patience and meticulous wound care. After the area is filled in with healthy tissue and the skin grows over again, you can consider asking if your plastic surgeon will do a nipple reconstruction, as we do after someone has had a mastectomy. While this will not have any sensation like a normal nipple, it will at least restore a more normal appearance. In the meantime you should do everything possible to make sure this heals as quickly as it can. If you are a smoker you should quit anything containing nicotine, as nicotine slows down healing. Make sure you are eating enough protein as your body needs this resource to make new tissue and speed up healing. Best of luck and hang in there.

Had necrosis removed from my areola after my breast reduction 6 weeks post partum (photos)

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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Had necrosis removed from my areola after my breast reduction 6 weeks post partum (photos)

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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