Dark purple/black nipple 48 hours after gynecomastia surgery, advice? (photo)

Question

Hi I'm 48hours post opp and my left side nipple is dark purple it's been like this from the day of my surgery the right side is ok is this sign my nipple dying due to poor blood flow

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi PaulColpitts,  Thank you for your question about what to do with your dark purple and black nipple 48 hours after your gynecomastia surgery.  Based on your single picture and without a physical examination or history of the gynecomastia surgery performed, your question is difficult to answer in a forum like RealSelf.  There are many different ways to treat gynecomastia including traditional liposuction,VASER liposuction, radio-frequency, male breast gland removal, areolar reduction, and formal male breast reduction.  Each gynecomastia procedure has its own inherent risks complications.  Nonetheless, it is very important you follow up with your plastic surgeon immediately. There is no time to wait. Your picture is very worrisome. Your nipple maybe dying. If this is venous congestion and the life of the nipple is threatened, there are some topical medications which can help to decrease the dark purple areas.  However, these medications must be initiated immediately. Please do not wait. Please call your plastic surgeon now. I hope that I answered your questions regarding your discolored dark after gynecomastia surgery. Also, I hope that I have stressed the importance of following up with your plastic surgeon.  If you have any other questions regarding gynecomastia or male breast reduction, please contact my office. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  I would be concerned about blood flow issues to your nipple and advocate speaking to your surgeon immediately for an in-person evaluation.  Best wishes.

Alejandro Nogueira, MD · Answer

Anyhow this kind of issues are better immediately referred to your surgeon through his telematic contact channels.

James Murphy, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

I'm afraid it's very difficult to tell from the photograph what is going on. I would suggest you seek emergency consultation with your surgeon to change the dressings and check things out. Hopefully they will be able to reassure you that all is well.

Sean Doherty, MD, FACS · Answer

You need to call your surgeon and get in to see him or her as soon as possible. Circulation issues must be dealt with immediately or there can be lasting damage. Best of luck.

Babak Dadvand, MD · Answer

Hi paulcolpitts,Thanks for the post. It is difficult to tell based on this photo but I strongly recommend you have your plastic surgeon evaluate this as soon as possible. There is a limited window to affect the course of circulation problems to the nipple and areola.Sincerely,Dr. Dadvand

Dark purple/black nipple 48 hours after gynecomastia surgery, advice? (photo)

Answers (6)

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