Keloid around the areola after breast augmentation procedure? Am I gonna lose sensitivity in my areola and nipples? (photo)

Question

I had my Brest augmentation in March 2016 It’s been already more than a year I recovered all my sensibility on the areola area, but I’m afraid to get rid of the keloid scar and loose my sensation and never gain it back. What’s the most common procedure to get rid of the keloid scar and not loose any sensibility. I would like to know also the cost.

Andrew Wolfe, MD · Answer

Your scar does appear a bit thick.  There are a number of options that could help.  Using silicone sheeting can help flatten the scars over time.  It may take 12 weeks or so to see real improvement.  Steroid injections can also flatten a scar, but they tend to make the scar spread due to thinning of the tissue.  A surgical revision, where the scar is completely removed and then closed, is probably your best option.  After the revision, I would recommend using a good scar cream like Biocorneum or silicone sheeting immediately to prevent a recurrence of the thick scar.  I do not think you'll have any further issues with numbness after a scar revision -- the nerve issues you had after surgery were likely due to the placement of the implant and not the areolar incision.  Best of luck!

Rohit Jaiswal, MD · Answer

Hello- thanks for your question and posting photos. 
You photo is more suggestive of a hypertrophic scar than a keloid. They can be thought of as being similar, though hypertrophic scars tend to improve over time. 
Since you are over one year out, it is possible to do a scar revision though you may consider other treatments first. Using steroid injections into the scar can help improve the appearance. In addition, I suspect further improvement with time alone. None of these treatments should lead to any loss of sensation in the nipple. 
Consider seeing your plastic surgeon for an in person exam and discussion of possible treatments. 
Best wishes, 
Rohit Jaiswal, MD 
Plastic Surgery
Las Vegas, NV

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,Your scar is hypertrophic, not Keloid.  Revising the scar will not cause you to loose sensitivity, but you're at high risk of another scar.  This is one of the many problems associated with circumareolar lifts. If your surgeon isn't an ABPS certified/ASAPS member surgeon, you should seek out a second opinion with a few who are. Best of luck!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Zazzy40,keloid scar can be improved using steroid injections. In some cases, scar revision surgery is indicated. But any surgical procedure performed on your areola has a possibility of nipple numbness. If you are considering any procedure,  I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Michael Zarrabi, MD · Answer

Looks like you had a "doughnut lift" or peri-areolar lift.  Unfortunately thick and raised scars are not uncommon after this type of procedure.  Here are the treatment options:1.injection of the scars to help flatten them. 2. Silicone scar tape for your scars3. Scar revision surgery. It is unlikely to cause change is sensation

Keloid around the areola after breast augmentation procedure? Am I gonna lose sensitivity in my areola and nipples? (photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Numbness after surgery

Answer: Numbness after surgery

Answer: Keloid scar around the areola

Answer: Keloid scar around the areola

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Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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Keloid around the areola after breast augmentation procedure? Am I gonna lose sensitivity in my areola and nipples? (photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Numbness after surgery

Answer: Numbness after surgery

Answer: Keloid scar around the areola

Answer: Keloid scar around the areola

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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