Is it normal for my areola to turn pink after a nipple graft? (photo)

Question

I’m two weeks post,but I’m really concerned because my left areola is still brown, but my right areola is turning pink. My doctor said i should still be applying ice and is that still necessary? Also If there’s any tips to help my graft survive and heal well It will be very useful and I would appreciate it.

Yannis Alexandrides, MD, FACS · Answer

This to me looks like secondary healing after partial necrosis of the areola. For this reason I would use an anitbacterial cream until it is completely healed.

Michael S. Lofgren, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question and photo.
When the nipple and areola are transferred as a free skin graft it is very common for people with dark skin to loose some of the pigmentation and color.  I always make it a point to tell people before surgery that this may happen.  As long as the underlying skin is healthy this is rarely a problem as the color will usually return.  It can be a slow process and take several months.  In the rare case where I have a patient not regain all the normal color, we will tatoo any remaining small pink areas to make it match the surrounding tissue.  
Best wishes.

Is it normal for my areola to turn pink after a nipple graft? (photo)

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Is it normal for my areola to turn pink after a nipple graft? (photo)

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Nipple Surgery

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