Periariolar incision after breast augmentation revision is inverting. - What can be causing this?

Hello, thank you for your question. This is a common issue with certain periareolar incisions and very typical for that to happen any time we are removing tissue or going down a size in breast size.

Thanks for your inquiry, but without pictures it is hard to advise. Please be discussing with your surgeon your concerns.

Dear lreye001,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Unfortunately this is a problem that can occur when using the periareolar incision. It is more common when the incision is used multiple times.

Treatment would be to release the scar tissue that is tethering the incision down deep. The scar tissue would need to be released and the wound closed in multiple layers. In some cases this still may recur. I have found using an interface such as a piece of Strattice seems to help.

Hope that helps.

This is occasionally seen and one of the drawbacks of the periareolar incision. Scar tissue has stuck the incision down to the muscle. It’s an easy correction under local anesthesia

An inverting periareolar incision after breast augmentation revision could be caused by several factors:
1.) Healing Process: Inverted incisions can sometimes be a part of the normal healing process. As the incision site heals, scar tissue can form and contract, leading to the appearance of inversion.
2.) Tension: If there is excessive tension or pressure on the incision site, it could cause the incision to pull inward during the healing process. This tension might be due to factors such as the type of surgical closure used, implant size, or the way the tissues are healing.
3.) Surgical Technique: The surgical technique used during the revision may play a role. If the incision was not made or closed properly, it could contribute to the incision inverting.
4.) Scar Tissue Formation: Scar tissue can sometimes form unevenly or excessively, causing the incision to contract and pull inward.
5.) Infection: Infections can disrupt the healing process and cause tissue changes that might lead to an inverted appearance.
6.) Implant Type and Placement: The type of implant used and its placement might affect how the tissues heal and subsequently influence the appearance of the incision.
7.) Individual Healing Variability: Each person's body heals differently, and some individuals might be more prone to developing inverted scars due to their unique healing response.
8.) Underlying Issues: In some cases, there might be underlying issues affecting the healing process, such as poor blood circulation, compromised skin quality, or tissue damage.
If you're experiencing an inverting incision after breast augmentation revision, it's crucial to reach out to your surgeon or a qualified medical professional. They can evaluate your specific situation, determine the underlying cause, and provide appropriate guidance and potential solutions to address the issue.
We would be happy to discuss this with you in more detail. Please visit us online to request a consultation or chat with our friendly appointment coordinators via live chat.

Without an assessment it is difficult to determine why this may be occurring in your situation. Typically inverted nipples can be addressed as a minor procedure under local anesthetic. I encourage you to discuss your concerns with your surgeon.

You did not post photos, so I cannot be specific. Circular scars do tend to shrink over time. I would suggest discussing this with your surgeon.

Hi lreye001, sorry to hear you're having these problems. Without seeing and examining you, it's hard to tell what's causing the problem. I agree with your surgeon, most likely it can be fixed under local if it's a skin/incision problem. Hope that helps.

Ireye,
Periareolar (below the nipple) incisional depression following revision periareolar breast augmentation is a very common issue. Each time that you cut through the fat and breast tissue (especially if you use a cautery devise which cuts and coagulates at the same time[causing further tissue loss due to the heat generated] ), may leave you with a delayed depression appearing weeks to months post-op. Revision under local anesthesia is an acceptable course of action.
Best wishes.
Dr. Taranow