Is there still hope for partially black nipple to survive? (photos)

Question

I am 2wks post op from nipple sparing PBM (BRCA1 carrier) with expanders. One mo prior, I had a nipple delay and my left nipple developed scar tissue underneath. My surgeon said no issue, but after the mastectomy that nipple was black and raised/misshapen. After two days, some color did return around the edges, but I have seen no further progress. I am using nitro glycerin and silver sulfadiazine creams to help. What else can i do? Will my nipple recover? How long should I give it to improve?

Aisha McKnight Baron, MD · Answer

Continue to follow the recommendations of your surgeon. Sometimes there is healthy tissue underneath the scab. It is likely that if a portion of the nipple/areola survives, then you will have some patchy pigmentation. This issue requires a lot of patience on your part. The best thing you can do is follow-up with your plastic surgeon frequently and monitor your wounds for signs of infection.

Andrew Kornstein, MD, FACS · Answer

When was the last time you saw your surgeon? Any additional instructions?Keep the area clean, avoid pressure, and follow instructions; ask your doctor about what else can be done...........are you are  a smoker(nicotine gum)?; perhaps hyperbaric oxygen?Hope this helps and good luck

Anh Lee, MD, FACS · Answer

It looks like part of your nipple has recovered and what is underneath the black part will hopefully be some healthy tissue.  Continue to follow the instructions of your doctor and most likely she/he will debride this area by removing the black part to see what is underneath but you will have pigment changes to your nipple when everything is healed.

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Is there still hope for partially black nipple to survive? (photos)

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