Crater in my nipple. Any help? (Photo)

Question

So the day i went to have the stitches removed i noticed that the tape on my left nipples irritated & had a layer of greenish/yellow pus on it. So the nurse told me to put double antibiotic gel on each nipple daily & cover it up with a band aide. Nothing changed in two weeks but the nurse says keep doing what I'm doing. Today i take it off & the pus layer comes off but now there is a crater in my nipple. Kinda freaked it will heal like that and i will have a chunk missing. Any help?

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

It's still soon in your recovery from gynecomastia surgery. As you heal, the area may feel “lumpy” and irregular. This, too, decreases with time, and massaging these areas will help soften the scar tissue. The #compression garment helps reduce the swelling, and the longer it is worn, the more quickly you will #heal. It can also assist in the retraction of the skin.

In the future, if you are still experiencing your crater concern, its best to ask questions of your surgeon or their nursing staff.  They may possibly be able to address the issue with fat grafting or cosmetic fillers if you are a good fit.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,I recommend that you follow up with your Plastic Surgeon to ensure any infection has cleared. As your scars mature throughout the first year the appearance of irregularities like this should minimize quite a lot. Talk with your Plastic Surgeon about scar treatment options.All the best

Tim Neavin, MD · Answer

Thank you for the photo.  You are encountering a small dehiscence.  This is not uncommon.  There are many factors into play when it comes to healing after surgery.  You should be certain to follow up with your surgeon.  This will heal.  The scar can be revised down the road.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Thank you for your picture.  The wound on your areola should heal fine with local wound care.  It you have an indentation of your areola it may be due to excessive removal of tissue beneath it.  Re-evaluate in 3 months and if this is still present then fat grafting may be useful.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.It appears you have delayed wound healing. Keep the area clean and follow up with your doctor.The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative breast surgery.best of luck!Dr Schwartz

Crater in my nipple. Any help? (Photo)

Answers (5)