I had a breast reduction on Friday. Nipple loss is a possibility for me. Please help reassure me

Question

I had a great reduction Friday from a large size , obviously I know the risks I just never thought I would be that person I am still being treated I had a blood cloth behind the areola and they opened me and left the pressure open then restitched the nipple and are re dressing daily although I think it looks completely dead the surgeon keep saying its supple and getting a little bit pink in a small area and it's still warm , I am not confident at all It looks horrific ! Any reply welcome

Keith Denkler, MD · Answer

Without photos it is hard to give an opinion.Your surgeon has the best idea and it sounds like he/she is OK with the circulation so far.Best wishes.

Stacey Folk, MD · Answer

Dear ccow80,I am sorry you are going through this tough time. The appearance of healing wounds after surgery can be quite distressful for patients, and you all must think we are insane when we say something is "looking good" when it looks positively dreadful to you. It takes a couple of weeks for damaged tissue to demarcate, or give definite signs of viability (going to make it) or necrosis (dead tissue that needs to be removed or debrided). The nipple areolar complex can unfortunately be lost during a reduction, but even partial loss can go on to look quite good after the healing is complete. If your surgeon is confident, that is a good sign! Be sure you aren't doing anything to further traumatize the tissue like smoking, nicotine patches, extremes of temperature, or too much pressure. Regular follow-up and appropriate wound care through the stages of healing are important. You will unfortunately learn more than you care to about the body's healing potential, but don't despair!

Carlin Vickery, MD (retired) · Answer

Patients who undergo large breast reduction are at greater risk of nipple areolar loss.  In the immediate post op period and for up to 8 weeks post operatively it can be difficult to know what percentage of loss is present.  At times, the visible skin may turn dark, but underneath there is living tissue which will replace the upper non living tissue.  It can be very disturbing to see your nipples and areolar turn dark, but be patient!  You may be surprised weeks down the road with the return of color.

I had a breast reduction on Friday. Nipple loss is a possibility for me. Please help reassure me

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I had a breast reduction on Friday. Nipple loss is a possibility for me. Please help reassure me

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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