Nipple Surviving After Necrosis, How Long Does It Take For The Nipple To Return To Its Normal Color?

Question

Hi, after a breast lift my nipple turned black on the outer part of it. Eventually the black scab came off leaving my nipple pink. I have some color coming back in different areas I was just wondering how long does it take for the nipple to get some color. It has been five weeks since my surgery.

S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS · Answer

Mastopexies with or without obvious areola necrosis can show some degree of pigmentary loss.  This discoloration can take up to six months to return to normal, if it is going to return to normal.If you were my patient, I would recommend medical tattooing that matches the uninjured areola color, and can not only fill in areolar color, but cover any scars visible at the junction of the elevated areola and breast skin.  At our surgery center, Jason Dias, CST routinely tattoos any areolar abnomalities not only for our patients, but for other plastic surgeon's patients as well.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I'm sorry that you have experienced the complication;  on the other hand, you are quite fortunate that at least partial survival of the tissues has occurred. I would suggest that you wait approximately one year before evaluating the aesthetic results present and before determining the need for further treatment.  You may find that treatment is not needed.

	Best wishes.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

The purple coloration indicated poor circulation to the nipple and you are fortunate that the nipple survived.  If the coloration is still a problem after six months, you could consider tattooing to match the color of the opposing breast.

Chen Lee, MD · Answer

Nipple and alveolar color are dependent on normal number and function of pigment producing cells residing deep in the skin.  Pigment production from these cells can temporarily cease to function after being stressed by a loss of circulation.  A deep injury might reduce the number of these cells and permanently affect your ability to produce pigment.  Waiting for more than 6 months or until scars soften and mature is appropriate.  If discoloration persists, treatment by tattoo might be warranted.

Rafael C. Cabrera, MD · Answer

the cells that make color (pigment) are the most sensitive to low blood flow. they die first. the fact that the remaining skin survived means that blood flow was restored but only after the other cells perished. hypopigmentation is not going to get better. plan on getting a tattoo. don't worry, it works well.

Nipple Surviving After Necrosis, How Long Does It Take For The Nipple To Return To Its Normal Color?

Answers (9)

Answer: A: Nipple and areolae color dependent on pigment producing cells

Answer: A: Nipple and areolae color dependent on pigment producing cells

Answer: Will color return

Answer: Will color return

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.

Nipple Surviving After Necrosis, How Long Does It Take For The Nipple To Return To Its Normal Color?

Answers (9)

Answer: A: Nipple and areolae color dependent on pigment producing cells

Answer: A: Nipple and areolae color dependent on pigment producing cells

Answer: Will color return

Answer: Will color return

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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.