Breast lift to even out breasts: one of my nipples is dark purple and disfigured. Is this abnormal. 5 days post-op? (photos)

Question

The right breast was significantly larger than the left (facing the breasts) so more tissue was taken out. The left nipple is pink and has more of the round shape or an aereola. The right is dark purple and puckered like there is a blister or something. The aureola does not go all the way around the nipple. It's like either missing or sunken in. The circumference doesn't look good. Is this normal or will it be disfigured? Or is it dieting?

Nathan Eberle, MD, DDS, FACS · Answer

haven't already, get in your car(with a driver if you cannot drive for any reason) and get to your surgeons office NOW. Your nipple and areola on the one side is dying, maybe he/she can help salvage part of the situation before it is too late.

Wayne I. Yamahata, MD · Answer

The photos suggest you may be having a problem with the blood supply to the right nipple and areola. This would warrant an urgent contact and visit to your surgeon. As a word of advise to all patients, when issues such as this arise it is generally prudent to contact your surgeon immediately rather than posting on web sites and waiting for responses. Patients often are reluctant to "bother" their surgeon, but in fact the vast majority of surgeons would prefer to be contacted sooner rather than later when a potential complications occurs.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

The patient will go home in a bra or with only
light dressings over the incision lines. Sutures are dissolvable but an ending
knot, if present is removed within 1-2 weeks. Initial discomfort is easily
controlled with oral medication. Light activities may be started in 7-10 days.
Over time, gravity will continue to have an
effect and the breast skin will tend to stretch. The degree of #stretching and #sagging
varies between women: generally, women with smaller breasts experience less
recurring sagging. If sagging does occur, further excision of the skin on an
outpatient basis can be used to correct the problem. Heavy and large breasts
may lead to recurrent sagging and may require the removal of a small amount of
breast tissue to achieve an optimal shape and size. One key to a satisfying
result is realistic expectations.
All surgical procedures carry some degree of
risk Any breast operation can result in changes in sensation. This happens less
with lifts than reductions but is still possible Occasionally, minor
complications occur and do not affect the surgical outcome. Major complications
associated with this procedure are rare. The suitability of the breast lift
procedure and specific risks may be determined during your consultation. 
#Hypertrophic or #keloid scars can be a
problem. The worst are usually under the breast with an #AnchorLift or inverted
“T”. These can be treated like all thickened scars with re-excision, laser,
kenalog/5-FU injections, creams, silicone strips and other methods to reduce
and improve healing. The best thing is to visit your surgeon right away to have the area examined and make sure it is not an infection or in need of further treatment. Good luck.

Robert J. Spies, MD · Answer

I absolutely agree with the other doctors who responded to your question.Go see your surgeon asap.  You may have some serious issues with loss of circulation to the right nipple and areola.No reason at all for you to wait.  Good luck to you.

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

This is not normal and you definitely has vascular compromise to the discolored nipple/areola.If you have not seen your plastic surgeon yet I would recommend being evaluated ASAP.Good luck.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

and I really hope you contacted your surgeon when you first noticed this (as your post-op instructions should have clearly stated that you do this).  And if you're exposed to cold or a smoker, I hope you have rectified those issues.  If you haven't done anything, all you can do at this point is let your body heal and let the tissue that is dying, slough and get replaced with scar tissue.  I'm sorry you are having this happen.

Vinod V. Pathy, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  The appearance of your right nipple is troubling.  Please contact your plastic surgeon to be evaluated.  Best of luck.

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

From the photographs it looks like one of your nipples is having vascular congestion, i.e. it is not getting proper blood flow. this can infrequently happen and should be addressed by your surgeon. I like to use a topical vascular dilating ointment that can help your nipple get blood to it in the early postoperative period until it re-establishes its blood supply.

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for the photo and see your surgeon as from the photos you may have vascular compromise to the left nippleDr Corbin

Breast lift to even out breasts: one of my nipples is dark purple and disfigured. Is this abnormal. 5 days post-op? (photos)

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