1 year post breast lift, my nipple is scarred pretty badly, can I have it stretched and scar tissue cut out? (photos)

Question

I had a breast lift about a year ago. I'm satisfied with the overall shape but the right nipple had terrible scaring. It is surrounded by scar tissue now with only a little nipple tissue in the middle. I tried nipple tattooing but it didn't seem to take and I would prefer to have actual nipple tissue if possible. I read you can have it stretched and cut out the scar tissue. Is that true? I'm really embarrassed by the way it looks now. Please help.

Scott C. Sattler, MD, FACS · Answer

You appear to have a significantly scarred areola within a standard circular areolar closure. This may be due to delayed wound healing or another post-op healing issue. The best way to get a nice round areola on that side is  to remove the scarred areolar skin completely and replace it with a skin graft from the groin which has a slightly darker color than the surrounding breast skin. A difference in pigmentation compared to your opposite areola could be corrected by a medical tattoo artist.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and pictures.

	Although skin graft reconstruction is an option that potentially will improve the appearance of the scarred areola,  I'm concerned about the aesthetic appearance of the skin grafted area.  if you're considering this option,  make sure you see lots of examples of the plastic surgeons previous work;  realistic expectations are very important to avoid disappointment later.

	Best wishes.

Amy T. Bandy, DO, FACS · Answer

I agree with the other 2 doctors; if you choose the skin graft route, you may want to consider using your labia minora skin as it is contractile tissue and actually makes a very nice areola.  Good luck!

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

I am sorry to hear about your problem.  When the nipple scars well, it scars amazingly well and, when it scars poorly, it can be horrid.  I do not believe that scar revision will improve this condition, which probably resulted from a slough of the nipple tissue.  You should consider a skin graft to this area to recreate the nipple and to have tattooing to restore the shape and color of the areola.

Rafael C. Cabrera, MD · Answer

first the good news. youe nipple is ok. A ftsg from inner thigh or labia minora with nipple preservation will be required to achieve as normal an areola as possible. good luck

1 year post breast lift, my nipple is scarred pretty badly, can I have it stretched and scar tissue cut out? (photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Nipple areolar scarring

Answer: Nipple areolar scarring

Answer: Areolar loss

Answer: Areolar loss

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift

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

1 year post breast lift, my nipple is scarred pretty badly, can I have it stretched and scar tissue cut out? (photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Nipple areolar scarring

Answer: Nipple areolar scarring

Answer: Areolar loss

Answer: Areolar loss

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift

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