Expected Outcome of Nipple/areola? (photo)

Question

fng breast reduction, post op day 18. i have had issues with right nipple since I had the dressings taken off at week 1. I was originally not supposed to see him again until 1 month but have gone in several times since bc of concerns. I'm just wondering if this is healing like it is supposed to, what the expected outcome is, etc. also, I have absolutely no nipple projection. He said it was du to swelling and I would get it back in a couple months, is this true? I want to trust but am discouraged

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The pictures help, but a physical exam would be more accurate. Your plastic surgeon can examine you, and that makes his assessment more useful. Just from the pictures, it appears as though most of the areola may survive. At this point, there is nothing to do but keep the area clean and wait. Do not worry yourself in the meantime. You may end up with a very good result.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

The photograph will demonstrates the areola suffering after a breast reduction. Some of the areola might be lost. Surprisingly, as the area heals the areola and often times look fairly normal. Time will tell

York Jay Yates, MD · Answer

The pictures you have posted demonstrate what looks like partial necrosis of the nipple.  The good news is there is obviously a blood supply of the deeper tissues.  

	This complication arises when the blood supply to the nipple is compromised with breast reduction surgery.

	A typical outcome of this known complication after breast reduction may include loss of nipple projection, discoloration of the nipple/areola, firmness of the underlying breast tissue and problems with areola shape.

	If you are a smoker, I would recommend stopping.  Your PS will have experience with this type of problem to help you through it.

Ary Krau, MD, FACS · Answer

It looks like you have developed partial nipple areola necrosis after bresst reduction.  This is  unfortunately  too common a complication after breast reduction.  This usually heals much better than originally expected.  You would need to wait for several months and may require some revision surgery to improve the aesthetics.

	Good luck

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

The resolution of your partial nipple-areolar necrosis is a process and one that will take months until it is fully healed. The black eschar (scab) must be allowed to heal underneath and then allowed to come off to reveal nearly healed skin underneath. The healed areolar area will likely have loss of some pigment and it is not yet clear what effect this will have on the nipple shape and projection. The good news is that it will eventually look much better than you envision right now. The bad news is that it will take 2 to 3 months to get there and may take a small revisional procedure for an optimal outcome. But there is nothing to do for now but be patient and follow your plastic surgeon's wouond care instructions.

Expected Outcome of Nipple/areola? (photo)

Answers (10)