Gynecomastia surgery and areola reduction. Will this skin replicate or grow back? (Photo)

Question

I had surgery 11 days ago everything went well and I was very pleased. A few days ago I noticed small rip in areola after shower. I was instructed to carefully remove the tape even if some of the skin underneath peeled off with it. A good amount of the areola skin did peel off with the tape but I was told this is fine because that skin would peel anyways and it looked superficial and good blood supply. I am worried I have lost a large amount of areola skin. Will this skin replicate or grow back?

Matthew A. DelMauro, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question. (Keep in mind that an in-person consultation is necessary for the best advice.) If the skin only "peeled off" (i.e., a partial-thickness injury) and did not suffer a full-thickness injury, your areola should be fine. That being said, close follow up with your plastic surgeon as well as strict adherence to his/her postoperative instructions are necessary. Best of luck!
Matthew A. DelMauro, M.D.

Ali A. Qureshi, MD · Answer

Looks like some of the top layer of the areolar skin has come off. With good wound care, this skin can grow back and retain its pigment. Follow your doctors instructions for wound care whether thats ointment or silvadene or wet to dry dressings. Good nutrition helps with wound healing too. Best, Dr. Ali

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