Is It Normal to Have One Nipple Up and One Nipple Down After a Breast Reduction? and How Long Does the Swelling Last?

Question

I'm 4 weeks post op, and I have one nipple pointing up and one nipple pointing down. It's been this way since the day 5 . When I asked my plastic surgeon about it he says I swelled up differently in my breast. Also my breast have gotten bigger, since the surgery. I kno I'm suppose to swell up but my week 3 pic look different from the pic I took in week 4. I'm suppose to be a C cupbut I'm wearing a D cup bra that I brought on week 3, but now I'm busting out of my bra. I'm just really concerned

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

It is not possible to give you good advice without direct examination or viewing pictures.

	At this stage in your recovery, some degree of breast asymmetry is very common (the rule as opposed to the exception). You will find that the breasts will likely change in size, shape, and symmetry for the next several months. I would suggest that you evaluate the  end results of the surgery  approximately 6 months after the procedure.

	In the meantime, continue to follow-up with your plastic surgeon who is in the best position to address questions/concerns and rule out complications.

	Best wishes.

David Stoker, MD · Answer

It is not normal to have uneven nipples following breast reduction surgery, but it is certainly possible it is part of the healing process for you.  It also might be possible that you have pre-existing asymmetry that has been improved with the surgery but is not yet perfect.

Farhad Rafizadeh, MD · Answer

It is too early to know if the swelling is the cause. But if the situation doesn't resolve your plastic surgeon could easily correct the nipple position and any size difference. At this time  follow up with your plastic surgeon and have him examin you and answer your questions.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

When performing a breast reduction we typically use a cookie cutter type instrument to and place the nipple directly in the center for the circle.  Sometimes with swelling and differences in stretch due to the remaining breast tissue this can change the circular nature of the areola and may point the nipple in one direction or the other.  Early asymmetries are very common.  Give it some time and it may get better on its own.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Nipples at different heights may be related to swelling and it is too early  to tell for sure. A minor revision can be done when things are settled if they are off.

Is It Normal to Have One Nipple Up and One Nipple Down After a Breast Reduction? and How Long Does the Swelling Last?

Answers (6)

Answer: Breast asymmetry after surgery

Answer: Breast asymmetry after surgery

Answer: Nipples at different levels

Answer: Nipples at different levels

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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Is It Normal to Have One Nipple Up and One Nipple Down After a Breast Reduction? and How Long Does the Swelling Last?

Answers (6)

Answer: Breast asymmetry after surgery

Answer: Breast asymmetry after surgery

Answer: Nipples at different levels

Answer: Nipples at different levels

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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.