I had DI top surgery 3 weeks ago, and the scab on my left nipple has been progressively peeling off and finished this afternoon, leaving a crater. It also tingles like crazy. I was wondering if this was okay/normal or if my nipple fell off? And if there's anything I can do for it. The right nipple is still scabbed but looks okay.
March 29, 2018
Answer: Nipple healing Hi, thanks for your pictures. Because a nipple areola graft is thicker than a regular skin graft it takes longer for a new blood supply to grow in. As a result, the top layer commonly 'dies', scabs or sloughs away, but the underlying layers heal. We usually leave any scabs in place and let the wound heal from underneath. In some cases the graft can fail, but there is often secondary scar that grows in which may look ok. I warn patients it can take up to a month before the grafts start to look healthy. It can be a prolonged process. One potential benefit of this technique is that it tends to flatten out prominent nipples. My advice is to let your wounds heal and then discuss any concerns with your surgeon.
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March 29, 2018
Answer: Nipple healing Hi, thanks for your pictures. Because a nipple areola graft is thicker than a regular skin graft it takes longer for a new blood supply to grow in. As a result, the top layer commonly 'dies', scabs or sloughs away, but the underlying layers heal. We usually leave any scabs in place and let the wound heal from underneath. In some cases the graft can fail, but there is often secondary scar that grows in which may look ok. I warn patients it can take up to a month before the grafts start to look healthy. It can be a prolonged process. One potential benefit of this technique is that it tends to flatten out prominent nipples. My advice is to let your wounds heal and then discuss any concerns with your surgeon.
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February 19, 2018
Answer: Nipple Graft Failure Hi cnt027,Thanks for the post and the photos. Based on your photos it looks like your nipple/areolar graft on the left did not take and will now need to be treated with wound care until new skin grow in. This is also likely to be the case for the right but it is too soon to tell as sometimes the NAC grafts do scab over and then the superficial scab comes off over a perfectly normal areola. I recommend you follow up with your surgeon for further recommendations. Congratulations on your surgery!Sincerely,Dr. Dadvand
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February 19, 2018
Answer: Nipple Graft Failure Hi cnt027,Thanks for the post and the photos. Based on your photos it looks like your nipple/areolar graft on the left did not take and will now need to be treated with wound care until new skin grow in. This is also likely to be the case for the right but it is too soon to tell as sometimes the NAC grafts do scab over and then the superficial scab comes off over a perfectly normal areola. I recommend you follow up with your surgeon for further recommendations. Congratulations on your surgery!Sincerely,Dr. Dadvand
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