Is my Nipple Tissue Dying After my Breast Lift /silicone Implants? (photo)

Question

Im 19 and I had an anchor lift and silicone plants on Tuesday ( it is now the following Monday) The day after surgery they looked good but then started turning almost black on the outside of them. I went back to the doctor today and he was shocked and I was the first person he's had that happen with. He took off the tape and peeled off the blackish layer of dead skin and them pushed puss out ( I know gross). He gave me cream but it looks even worse. I don't know what to do. Freaking out.

Ryan Neinstein, MD, FRCSC · Answer

I agree there is some superficial loss to the areola, luckily these typically heal very well. It is important to be seen to make sure you dont have a hematoma that needs to be drained

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

The nipple and areola is obviously suffering after breast augmentation and mastopexy. The marginal blood supply has led to compromise of the structure. It appears though that there is enough remaining blood supply for full recovery. Keep in close contact with your plastic surgeon.

Edwin C. Pound, III, MD · Answer

There is an old saying that things are always darkest just before the dawn. In your case, the nipples look dark and discolored but they may well recover and do just fine. At this point there is not a lot that can be done other than conservative treatment. When everything heals then you can re-assess the situation.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The pictures are not particularly telling and if necrosis was present on exam then it is probably superficial. If the NACs looked good the first day that is also a good indicator that blood flow was not severely compromised. Please do not smoke as this severely compromises circulation. I would not freak out at this time, and be sure you follow up with your surgeon.

Mel T. Ortega, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Despite good intentions, online consultants will not be able to provide you (in any responsible fashion) with specific enough advise to be truly helpful. Given your concerns, you'll be best off seeking follow-up with your plastic surgeon, earlier that already scheduled if necessary, for in person evaluation.

Adam David Lowenstein, MD, FACS · Answer

From the look of the photos, it does appear that you have had some compromise to the tissue of your nipple.  The good news is that most of the nipple tissue looks well, and it is likely that things will heal well in the end.  It is important for you to see your surgeon regularly so you can be followed and any changes be treated appropriately. 
	Meticulous local care is very important, and you might want to consider some hyperbaric oxygen to maximize healing of the marginal tissues to maximize your outcome. 
	Any redness, swelling, increasing in pain should be dealt with immediately, and your surgeon may even want to consider some prophylactic antibiotics.  Again, all will likely be well in the end, but careful management is important at this stage.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It looks like form your photos that the nipple has some superficial loss on the areola border.  It is important that you follow closely with your surgeon.

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

Although this look frightening, it is almost certainly not as bad as it looks. Ti does look like you have one small area of tissue loss, but the rest of the areolar and nipple tissue looks OK. Keeping the healing environment moist is important, and it sounds like the cream is for that purpose. If indeed the substance expressed was pus, hopefully it was cultured and antibiotics considered. Sometimes nitroglycerine can be used to improve the blood flow to portions of skin that are threatened. 

	Follow up regularly. If your surgeon seems uncomfortable about what to do, ask him to arrange a second opinion for advice. 

	Chances are that once this is healed, it will look as if none of these issues have occurred. Thanks, best wishes.

K. Dwayne Fulks, MD · Answer

While I am certain that this looks very worrisome to you and even to your surgeon, but you will be OK. These problems are not terribly uncommon, so I imagine your doctor knows how to deal with this. With an implant in place, there is always concern about potential "seeding" of the implant pocket which can be quite an issue. But diligent, thoughtful and conservative care will usually lead to healing without intervention. So do what your doctor says, keep it clean and dry and you will be OK.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and pictures; I'm sorry to hear about the stressful experience after breast  augmentation/lifting surgery. Although I cannot provide you with precise clinical advice, based on the photographs and time sequence I think that you will do well long-term. Although there may be some blood flow or return (venous congestion) issues present,  I think that your nipple/areola complexes are viable and again, you should do well in the long term.

	 Continue to follow-up with your plastic surgeon who is in the best position to advise you precisely.

	Best wishes.

Is my Nipple Tissue Dying After my Breast Lift /silicone Implants? (photo)

Answers (13)

More Breast Augmentation Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (13)

More Breast Augmentation Questions

Will my Boobs Grow Back?

What Would Be the Most Natural Looking Implant Size for 32a?

My Breast Don't Look Round? (photo)

Can I Do Squats a Week After Surgery?

Will 400CC Gives D Cup from A Cup?

How Long After Breast Augmentation Can I Got to the Beach?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS