Are my nipple/areola complex areas healing normally? (photos)

Question

My breast reduction was done on 5/28, but the nipple/areola areas were left detached until 6/3 due to circulation concerns. I have feeling in both nipples and my incisions from the reduction itself seem to be doing well. I'm just a little concerned about the separation at the bottom of the areola, especially on my left breast. I keep them moist and covered with non-stick gauze pads and Neosporin, and change the dressings each morning and evening.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

You do have a small degree of wound separation at the base of each areola but it is not severe and will improve and close down over time.  Continue to follow the advice of your plastic surgeon for wound scar.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Early appearance seems to be within normal acceptable parameters. Best to have close follow up with your surgeon.....

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It does look like your nipple areola tissue is healing. THe other areas will probably close in and heal as well. It just may take some time.

Ronald Freeman, MD (retired) · Answer

Considering the fact that your nipple/areola had some circulation concerns it was wise to wait and close the wound secondarily. It probably resulted in the survival of the nipple/areola complex. At this stage it appears to be healing well. The color looks good and I would continue to follow up with your surgeon for further post operative care.

Alan M. Engler, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Pretty well, actually!  You have a few areas of delayed healing that are not typical with primary repairs (ie, when sutures are put in to help skin - and deeper tissues - stay together while they heal) but, despite that, it looks like the tissues are aligned well.  You should continue the wound care that you are (presumably) doing, under the guidance of your plastic surgeon.Once it heals - a process that takes many months - you may or may not want to undergo a scar revision to make it less noticeable.  Whether or not that will be recommended is not something that can be determined at this time, nor does it need to be.  Continue the wound care and you can have it assessed later.In the meantime, congrats on having had the procedure.I hope that this helps and good luck,Dr. Alan EnglerMember of RealSelf100

George Commons, MD (retired) · Answer

Areolar healing is a little stressed but will be just fine as time passes.  Not sure why you think this was left open..........that would be unusual.   I suspect it was closed and just opened a bit.  This likely will heal so well you will not need a revision.  If the scar is a little prominent it can be  improved by a little revision.  Just follow your surgeons instructions regarding healing and wound care.  I bet you will be just fine.   My best, Dr C

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