I am 12 days post op from top surgery. I wore the post op binder 24/7 for 11 days after surgery. Once I had the dressings removed from my nipples they felt great. The next day my nipples feel extremely sensitive. Sort of like road rash would feel when touched by clothing. I no longer feel the random tingling/needle prick pain I was feeling before. I am not sure if the feeling is normal or not. Some of the skin also seems to be peeling off and they are looking pretty gross. I’m worried that they might fall off or the graft is failing.
Answer: Nipple and Chest Sensation after Top Surgery I specialize in gender-affirming top surgery and "targeted nipple reinnervation" and sensory preservation/restoration.
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Answer: Nipple and Chest Sensation after Top Surgery I specialize in gender-affirming top surgery and "targeted nipple reinnervation" and sensory preservation/restoration.
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January 13, 2022
Answer: Do you think my nipples are healing correctly? Hello,
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January 13, 2022
Answer: Do you think my nipples are healing correctly? Hello,
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May 20, 2019
Answer: Double Incision Dear Cierra_milton, Thank you for your question and congratulations on your operation. Based on your photos, it seems you are healing just fine. It is not uncommon to have extreme hypersensitivity following your procedure. I instruct my patients to apply a light layer of bacitracin to the nipples, followed by the placement of a Telfa dressing on either side. This prevents shearing between your skin and clothing. However, I suggest following up with your Board Certified Operating Surgeon for his or her specific recommendations. Best of luck to you!
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May 20, 2019
Answer: Double Incision Dear Cierra_milton, Thank you for your question and congratulations on your operation. Based on your photos, it seems you are healing just fine. It is not uncommon to have extreme hypersensitivity following your procedure. I instruct my patients to apply a light layer of bacitracin to the nipples, followed by the placement of a Telfa dressing on either side. This prevents shearing between your skin and clothing. However, I suggest following up with your Board Certified Operating Surgeon for his or her specific recommendations. Best of luck to you!
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February 25, 2019
Answer: Free nipple graft healing Hi,Thanks for sharing your photos. They are a little blurry but it appears that they are healing fine. It is not unusual to have different sensations while you heal, especially as nerves wake up. At 12 days you have already created new blood supply to the nipples and they will not just fall off unless there is direct trauma to them. It is also very common for the top colored layer of the areola to peel after surgery. Over a year majority, if not all pigment loss does slowly return. If after a year it has not, tattooing is an option as well.Best of Luck with your healing!Dr. Rednam
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February 25, 2019
Answer: Free nipple graft healing Hi,Thanks for sharing your photos. They are a little blurry but it appears that they are healing fine. It is not unusual to have different sensations while you heal, especially as nerves wake up. At 12 days you have already created new blood supply to the nipples and they will not just fall off unless there is direct trauma to them. It is also very common for the top colored layer of the areola to peel after surgery. Over a year majority, if not all pigment loss does slowly return. If after a year it has not, tattooing is an option as well.Best of Luck with your healing!Dr. Rednam
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April 6, 2020
Answer: Nipple graft healing post operatively From your photos, your nipples look to be healing normally. Given they are put on as full thickness skin grafts, it is common for the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis) to slough off and underneath is a lighter colored skin. Over time, the pigment will most likely return to normal, but this can take months. For now, continue to follow the post operative instructions of your surgeon, and know that the nipple grafts change a lot in appearance over the first 1-2 weeks, and even up to months later. Things to look out for that DO adversely affect nipple graft healing are drainage, odor or open areas. Do contact your surgeon ASAP if you notice any of these.
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April 6, 2020
Answer: Nipple graft healing post operatively From your photos, your nipples look to be healing normally. Given they are put on as full thickness skin grafts, it is common for the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis) to slough off and underneath is a lighter colored skin. Over time, the pigment will most likely return to normal, but this can take months. For now, continue to follow the post operative instructions of your surgeon, and know that the nipple grafts change a lot in appearance over the first 1-2 weeks, and even up to months later. Things to look out for that DO adversely affect nipple graft healing are drainage, odor or open areas. Do contact your surgeon ASAP if you notice any of these.
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