Can my nipple be bruised after my breast reduction? I am 15 days post op my breast reduction. (Photos)

Question

Yay! My right boob is completely doing well but my left is bruised much more and harder. Yesterday my left nipple looked a little darker-could this be from me trying to massage my bruises and hardness and it moved around? I also may have had a bandage on too tight. I don’t want to lose blood flow so how do I ensure good flow and could I just have a bruise or some blood behind my nipple? Thx for the help

Kelly Killeen, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes nipples can be bruised after a reduction.  It looks from your photos like you have a small collection of blood (hematoma) on that side.  This is a relatively common complication.  Your surgeon can manage this in three ways, leave it alone to absorb, put a drain in, or drain it.  I usually favor draining it as when your body begins to break up the hematoma liquid can find it's way out of your incisions, and you can get hemosiderin staining (darkish discoloration of your skin) if it is left in place.  Both of these problems get better with time, but they are a nuisance so I like to prevent them if possible.  Follow-up with your surgeon and see what route he/she would like to take.

Can my nipple be bruised after my breast reduction? I am 15 days post op my breast reduction. (Photos)

Answers (1)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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

Can my nipple be bruised after my breast reduction? I am 15 days post op my breast reduction. (Photos)

Answers (1)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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