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Is this necrosis? I had a bilateral mastectomy July1, 2016. (photos)

missadd32Jul 15, 2016
When I went back for a follow-up, my plastic surgeon said there was a flap of skin he was concerned about. However, after my second follow up and the removal of two of my four JP tubes and bulbs he said that it was looking better. The area now has an odor and has a burning sensation from time to time. The surgeon closed early today so I couldn't call him with my concerns. I am afraid I have an infection and am wondering if I need to call the on all MD.

Answers (2)

From board-certified doctors and trusted medical professionals
Dr. Heather Richardson, MD, FACS
Board Certified General Surgeon
Answered on Aug 19, 2016
Answer
Dr. Owen Reid, MD
Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answered on Jul 19, 2016
Answer

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Heather Richardson, MD, FACS

There are lots of healthy reasons to have a bump in a mastectomy site, especially if it has been there for over two years, hasn't changed, and has no significant symptoms. Fat necrosis, scar tissue and sebaceous cysts are the more common reasons. The best way to evaluate the bump...

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Steven Wallach, MD

Sometimes the nipple dies from the very thin skin flaps that are left after a mastectomy. Sometimes it is only partial loss and treatment is conservative with local wound care. Other times the skin and nipple that clearly necrose are cut out and then reconstructed at a later date.

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Heather Richardson, MD, FACS

What you are experiencing is vasospasm in your nipple. It is related to the Raynaud's and is going to be made worse with exposure to cold and friction. Try to keep the tissue warm, as much as possible and you should avoid these symptoms. The blood pressure medicine Nifidepine has...

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