Will my nipples “grow back” after nipple ischemia stitches that have stretched/busted open? (Photos)

Question

I am 1 month post of from a masopexty/augmentation with a reduction on the right breast. I have nipple ischemia and now my stitches have stretched/ busted open. I an curious as to if my nipples will “grow back” or if I will loose them? Is it going to require another surgery or nipple “tattooing” My PS said they are healing nicely and since they are bleeding “it is a goood sign”. I am sick over this and can’t seem to really find any information or anyone with a similar experience.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Hi woogy14, I am sorry to hear about the complication you are experiencing. Nipple necrosis is considered a dreaded complication with breast lift surgery. While your nipples appear that they are healing, they will not simply grow back and appear like before. Instead, it should heal with a scar formation. If you are concerned, please check it with your plastic surgeon for reassurance and to further discuss your options.
Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS
  
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
  
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
  
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Evan Sorokin, MD · Answer

Nipple loss like you are showing in the photo is a dreaded complication of the surgery that you had.  It does appear that things are healing however the nipples and areola are not going to simply grow back but will heal with scar formation.  Often in this situation a skin graft can be performed with slightly darker skin (often from the groin so the donor scar is hidden) and placed on the areola.  We do this with breast reconstruction cases to recreate an areola.  The nipple themselves may or may not need reconstruction it is hard to tell from the photo.  Tattooing can sometimes be done instead of skin grafting.  I would have frank open discussions with your surgeon and discuss your concerns, the plans to get you healed, and later procedures.  Unfortunately this complication does happen when combining augmentation with a lift.  It is much higher risk in smokers which I do not know if you smoke or larger amounts of lifting and augmentation.  Hang in there, a board certified plastic surgeon should know how to get you healed and reconstructed!  Good luck!

Ashok Govila, FRCS, MCh, MS - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello,
I have come across one patient in your situation during 36 years of beast surgery when someone did surgery in South Africa for breast lift with an implant, and right side underwent sever full thickness areola necrosis and in-depth more tissue necrosed.
  
Patient insisted that I must try my best shot to preserve her implant.
  
Continuous minimal debridement and antibiotic cover followed by secondary suturing did save her implant and breast shape and to my biggest surprise the remaining nipple area that I pulled together to close the wound finally stretched like a area of reasonable size.
  
Looking at your pictures, I can say mother nature has amazing properties that we don't even know many a times, and I am sure given the care by your PS you may be finally OK.
  
I wish  you all the best.

Will my nipples “grow back” after nipple ischemia stitches that have stretched/busted open? (Photos)

Answers (3)

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Will my nipples “grow back” after nipple ischemia stitches that have stretched/busted open? (Photos)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Breast Lift with Implants

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