Is "shear force" still dangerous after the first week?

Question

I have a habit of adjusting my bandages all the time due to how tender my ribs are and the bruises around them. I always left them from my nipple and adjust a little higher or a little lower. Are they still at risk after the bolsters come off, to be nudged and pushed off? There is some Bleeding through the gauze this morning, and yesterday afternoon was when I got them off. I was told bleeding would be normal, but still, I have go wonder.

Anthony Deboni, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question.  During the early healing phase, the nipples are at risk from shear force. Although it would be very unlikely that the nipples would get "pushed off," the skin is still very fragile and the blood vessels growing into the grafts are easily damaged.  Shear force can result in blistering of the skin, and partial detachment.  I would follow your MDs instructions, but avoid any significant force/abrasion until fully healed.  Best Regards.

Babak Dadvand, MD · Answer

Hi,Thanks for the post. A week is still very early in the healing process and the nipple grafts are still fragile and susceptible to shear forces. They wont be pushed off but the top layer of skin can be sloughed off and it can disrupt the blood vessels that are growing in to feed the graft and keep it alive. I would be delicate with the grafts for the first month. Sincerely,Dr. Dadvand

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