Does the nipple necrosis on my left breast appear to be healing properly? (Photos)

Question

I suffered nipple necrosis on my breast, once the last piece of Eschar came it revealing a yellowish brown tissue, is this fat necrosis or more dead tissue that needs to be removed.

S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS · Answer

I'm sorry you're going through this and I know, at times, it is disheartening.  However, you already have islands of pigmented areola present where your nipple areola complex used to be.  With time, your areola will completely heal with some scar, but also a lot of areola.  It appears that your nipple is not present.  However, the nipple is nothing but an expression of the ducts, that is to say the ducts create the nipple.  Therefore, since there are so many viable ducts in your breast now, you have a very good chance of creating a new nipple.  There are several techniques for correcting necrosed nipple areola complexes.  Certainly one is tattooing, and another is skin grafting.  For the nipples, it is possible to nipple share with the other side, creating two small but prominent nipples.  I'm sure your plastic surgeon is suffering right along with you, and he or she will continue until the final outcome looks good.

Stefan Mark Szczerba, MD · Answer

Bummer.... stay conservative with debridement as you don't want to lose any unnecessary volume.  Keep the area moist to avoid drying out requiring more debridement.  This will heal.  After it is completely healed I would recommend a tattoo artist to give color to your areola area scar.  Best Wishes!!

Nirmal Nathan, MD · Answer

Dear Purple1987,Thank you for your question. I am sorry that you sustained nipple necrosis, which can happen rarely, even in the most experienced hands. In these situations close follow-up with your surgeon is important. The photos show a nipple that is healing without any obvious signs of infection. Unfortunately, they are extremely limited in answering questions like:1. Is my nipple going to grow back?2. Will my sensation come back?3. Will my areolar pigmentation come back?Over time, the area should continue to heal. If you had implants, it is very important that your surgeon check on you frequently to make sure the dead tissue is not tracking down to your implants. Down the road once you have fully recovered, the nipple can be tattooed to improve the appearance.Good luck,Nirmal R. Nathan, M.D.Certified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Rachel Ford, MD · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for your question. I'm sorry you are dealing with this complication, which unfortunately can happen to any surgeon. The area that you have circled on one of the photos appears to be fat/breast tissue that is normally under the areola. I can't tell from a photo if that tissue is alive or not. I recommend following up with your surgeon often, so they can keep a close eye on the tissue in that region. Best of luck
Dr Ford

Does the nipple necrosis on my left breast appear to be healing properly? (Photos)

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Answer: Does the nipple necrosis on my left breast appear to be healing properly?

Answer: Does the nipple necrosis on my left breast appear to be healing properly?

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Does the nipple necrosis on my left breast appear to be healing properly? (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Does the nipple necrosis on my left breast appear to be healing properly?

Answer: Does the nipple necrosis on my left breast appear to be healing properly?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.