Do I have skin necrosis or just feel bruising? (Photo)

Question

8 days ago I had a BL mastectomy with TE expanders. I got home the next day and had deep purple bruising just like the picture. 8 days later nothing has changed except for the development of tiny white puss pimples. My PS said he did not know what it was. I made them swab one but wont have lab results back for two more days. The bruise has not grown. PS has me on another round of antibiotics after he saw my breast. No fever. And I have no feeling in that skin area due to surgery. What is this?

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Hello!  Thank you for your question. The photo appears ominous for mastectomy flap necrosis. I would follow-up closely with your surgeon as the need for surgical intervention may be needed with necrotic tissue. Best wishes.

Michael S. Beckenstein, MD · Answer

It looks like skin flap ischemia heading towards necrosis. It has clear margins typical of flap loss. You need to see your surgeon to evaluate the skin viability.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I do not like the sound of pimples on the skin. It is best to be seen infernos to determine if the skin is becoming necrotic. Follow closely with your surgeon.

Robert Whitfield, MD · Answer

That should be monitored closely.  With bruising and development of the pimples I would use an antibiotic ointment on that area.I had a patient of mine recently develop a similar area of pimples with less bruising after a nipple sparing mastectomy.

Do I have skin necrosis or just feel bruising? (Photo)

Answers (4)