I had a nipple graft breast reduction 3 wks ago. I'm concerned. The skin on my areolas are peeling. Is this normal? (Photo)

Question

I had a nipple graft breast reduction 3 weeks ago. I'm a bit concerned because last week the skin began to slowly peel off of my areola's. I've followed my PS' instructions, which was to keep the area moist with ointment and then cover with a non-stick dressing pads. Is this peeling normal??

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Your picture does appear quite expected for a nipple graft. The outer skin will slough off and new skin will grow over time. I would recommend continuing follow-up with your plastic surgeon to make sure it continues healing as it should. #Breastreduction #Recovery #Healing #nipple

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Thanks for your question and photo.It is normal for the top layer of skin and even edges to peel after a free nipple/areola graft with a breast reduction. Make sure you stay in close contact with your operating surgeon.Best of luck.Dr. T

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Free nipple grafts heal like skin grafts. There may be some loss due to poor "take" or some superficial loss.  Some skin color changes can occur, but many times this improves with time. Best to follow closely with your surgeon and follow his/her instructions.

Suman K. Das, MD (retired) · Answer

You must had a very large btreast and large volume reduction.It looks to me you are having superficial epidermolysis,that is most superficial part of ypur nipple and areola dying but deeper layers are alive.This is not uncommon in free nipple graft.Stay in close contact with your doctor.This will heal but you will have depigmentation that is you will loose the dark color of your nipple.Over a period of time these pigments(Melanin) will come back slowly.

I had a nipple graft breast reduction 3 wks ago. I'm concerned. The skin on my areolas are peeling. Is this normal? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Free nipple graft breast reduction

Answer: Free nipple graft breast reduction

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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I had a nipple graft breast reduction 3 wks ago. I'm concerned. The skin on my areolas are peeling. Is this normal? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Free nipple graft breast reduction

Answer: Free nipple graft breast reduction

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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