I got my reduction on 12/06, so about a week and a half ago. Firstly, my doctor said to leave the tape on until it falls off, which it's starting to do. Is it too early? I have a history of bad scarring, so should I re-tape it? Secondly, and slightly more worrisome, around my right nipple, where the tape is coming off the most, the skin is extremely puckered, almost pleated. Is that OK and normal?
Answer
Hi,Thank you for your question. I recommend you check with your surgeon before re-applying tape on the raw area as taping over an open area may cause an infection. The pleating should flatten and resolve after a few months. Please be patient and wear your bra for support to ensure that areolas heal in a round shape. If a bra is not worn for a few months during healing time, the areolas may heal in an oblong shape. I hope this helps.Best wishes to you,
Dr. Gary M. Horndeski, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answer
There are certain types of breast reduction, like yours, that involve gathering the skin during closure, much like the waistband of gym shorts or a man's bathing suit gather when the string is pulled and tied. The amount of wrinkles or pleats you're showing is not excessive, and will smooth out very well over the next few months. I recommend checking with your surgeon about wound care and scar management, as we all have somewhat different approaches.
Dr. Andres Taleisnik, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answer
Thank you for your questions and photos. Yes this type of puckering is very normal and it will resolve over the next few months. Always feel comfortable to discuss your concerns with your surgeon. Good luck. DrMaz
Dr. Mehdi K. Mazaheri, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answer
Thank you for your question. After a breast reduction, some puckering around the nipple is possible. It depends on your plastic surgeon's technique. Sometimes there is a mismatch between the circumference of the nipple aerolar complex and the skin that must be closed around it (purse-string closure). In order to make up the difference, puckering of the skin can occur.. Over time, as the wound heals the puckering usually resolves. Be sure to follow-up with your plastic surgeon on a regular bases. Taping the skin may help with the healing process. I usually recommend tape until the wounds have healed and then offer my patients scar therapy with silicone based products.
Dr. Nicholas Jones, MD, FACS
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answer
important concern but the short answer is things look normal. Whether your surgeon uses tape strips or not is not relevant. The pleating you are seeing is the result of the pull by the sutures ( threads) which are dissolvable. This ALWAYS flattens because it's there because the suture is causing it. Once it "dissolves " the pleats will flatten. Do t be concerned because it's normal. In fact there are breast reduction techniques where the pleating is way more extreme!
