Normal healing of nipple necrosis? Can anyone give me a time frame? Breast reduction. No implants. (Photos)

Question

Is this area of necrosis healing normally? It was first a black scab then my PS did slight debriding and revealed dark red tissue under. Now it's become inflated and white. No odor, some pain but I was told I have some fat necrosis as well. Is this abnormal? I had a breast reduction. No implants.

Daniel Brown, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello.  Very sorry that you are going through this!  From what I see in your photos, this wound needs to be debrided (all necrotic tissue removed) by your surgeon.  Once all the tan/necrotic tissue has been removed, it can then start to heal.  The necrotic tissue keeps the wound from closing and must be removed.  Even after removal there may be a minimum of several weeks of dressing changes before you are completely healed.  My best advice would be to follow up at least weekly if not more frequently with your surgeon for debridements in order to have the wound heal as quickly as possible.Best wishes for a speedy recovery!Dr. Brown

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

and I'm sorry that it happened in your case.  Your surgeon is doing the proper things for management of the wound and if the bulge is dead fat, that will have to be removed as well.  Your wound will eventually be free of debris and compromised tissue and then start filling in from the bottom up.  Your final scar will be much smaller than the defect you appreciate.  Be patient and you will recover from this and once fully healed, revisions can be discussed if felt to be beneficial.

Normal healing of nipple necrosis? Can anyone give me a time frame? Breast reduction. No implants. (Photos)

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Normal healing of nipple necrosis? Can anyone give me a time frame? Breast reduction. No implants. (Photos)

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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