How can I fix my breasts after areola necrosis?

Question

Good day 5 months ago I had a vertical breast lift there was necrosis of the areola and wide scars were formed Is it possible to do a skin graft to restore the areola?

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

The technique I recommend is The Bellesoma Method. This will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained if not injured during your previous surgery.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Chul Hwan Seul, MD, PhD · Answer

Skin grafting does not seem to be a good solution because if skin grafting is done only on the necrosis area, there will be a sense of difference from the rest of the areola and it will be different from the areola on the other side. After necrosis, tattooing the depigmented scar with areola color or cutting off a part of the scar to make it similar to the size of the areola on the other side and then tattooing the scar area seems to be a realistic improvement plan.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

The areola can be tattooed. Your breasts appear to be asymmetric in size and have glandular dropout. Your breast shape can be vastly improved by converting to a full lift which will shorten the distance between areola and inframammary fold, repositioning breast tissue up above the nipple areolar complex. Vertical scars can be revised as well. After the revision, it is crucial to wear special retention tape (like Hypafix) for 2 to 3 months to support your scars so they heal as finely as possible.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear AngelaLenorie,
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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

You may have had only partial nipple necrosis. This can be readily corrected and the areola mage larger and rounder. Also the lower pole of the breast can be shortened so you don’t have that bottoming out

Justin Yovino, MD, FACS · Answer

Unfortunately you've experienced a well known complication of breast lift / reduction surgery. In your case, medical grade tattooing is probably your best options. It would help fill in the hypopigmented areas.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You have bottoming out of your breasts which can be corrected using the anchor incision only. Cosmetic, not artistic, tattooing can be done to your areola to bring back color.  Some areolar skin might be removed for a better shape, but an examination is needed to be certain.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

From your photos it appears you would benefit from a breast lift revision to improve the shape of the breasts.  The vertical scars on the breasts would be revised as part of this procedure. For the areola you may wish to visit with a medical tattoo artist who can match the pigmentation of the surrounding areola tissue.