I'm having a Breast Reduction surgery. I am having FNG. How long does the foam/covering remain on? (photos)

Question

I am having BR on the 25th and will be having approx 1500 grams removed from each breast. I am having FNG. My question is how long does the foam/covering remain on? And what is the success rate? Is there anything I can do to improve the chances. My measurements are 48L and 46R. Thanks

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question and photos. You should ask your surgeon his or her exact routine. But all free nipple grafts must be left undisturbed, dry, and protected for at least one week until the first dressing change. After that surgeons will differ in their recommendations. I ask my patients to re-protect their barely-healing grafts with another dressing for a second week, followed by another dressing change to inspect the grafts, and a third bandage for a final 3rd week of dry and protected.After the 21-day bandage removal, I usually tell the patient it is OK to begin very gentle showering, but no scrubbing or extensive immersion of the grafts just yet. That takes another week or two, but by 4-6 weeks after successful graft take they are durable enough to withstand normal activities and bathing routines.If you are a smoker, there is a high likelihood that your grafts will not survive completely or partly, so stop smoking now and continue to avoid nicotine in any form (including second-hand smoke) to maximize graft "take." Even in a non-smoker, 2-3% of grafts may fail or partially heal.Follow your surgeon's advice, and you should do quite well! Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Thank you for your pictures. I typically leave a dressing over the free nipple grafts for about seven days. This allows undisturbed movement of the grafts as they heal. The success  of free grafts is pretty high. I perform this procedure on a lot of patients of color.  The color variation is an issue. For you this will not be a point of discussion. Good luck.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Over the internet impossible to advise in your case to even if you need FNG operation. Best to seek IN PERSON second opinions...

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Without seeing you in person, it is difficult to say whether you need a free nipple graft procedure or not. If you need a free nipple graft usually a bolster is kept in place for about a week( in my practice).  Check with your surgeon.

I'm having a Breast Reduction surgery. I am having FNG. How long does the foam/covering remain on? (photos)

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I'm having a Breast Reduction surgery. I am having FNG. How long does the foam/covering remain on? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Breast reduction

Answer: Breast reduction

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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