1 month post op. Is my nipple graph failing? (photos)

Question

Had DI NIPPLE GRAPH FTM top surgery I am officially 4 weeks today, I have been changing my bandage twice a day and gently washing the area as instructed, but I’ve not been told if my nipple graph has failed, it has an odor and definitely infected. Do you think it is failing?

Babak Dadvand, MD · Answer

Hi,Thanks for the post and photos. The center of the left graft did not take which is why it is darker than the surrounding areola. This is likely the source of the odor, but it does not look infected. You should be evaluated by your surgeon who may need to trim this darker tissue. You could still heal perfectly fine but may have less projection of the nipple.Sincerely,Dr. Dadvand

Tracy Kayan, MD · Answer

The central thicker part of the nipple appears to not have survived. If you're not scheduled to see your surgeon anytime soon, I would recommend seeing them as some of the non-viable tissue in the center would benefit from being removed to prevent infection. This area will grow back slowly from the surrounding parts of the graft that have taken, but it will take some time. Options later after the wound is healed are to do nipple reconstruction with local tissue, do nothing and just see how the scar looks, or to do some tattooing over the area to give the impression of a central more protuberant portion of the nipple.

Sheldon Lincenberg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry. The center of the nipple graft is indeed black and no longer living tissue. This tissue can be gently trimmed away or it will flake off on its own after it dries up. It does not appear to be infected, although the odor is indicative of dead tissue. Most of the time, the healing process will continue and the results that you will have will be very natural and acceptable, albeit with minimal nipple projection.

Ethan E. Larson, MD · Answer

Hello.  It is a little difficult to say based on the photo how much of the nipple is affected.  Certainly all of the black tissue is dead and should be debrided (cut away.)  I have seen nipples that look like this that go on to heal with a perfectly acceptable result and some that end up melting away.  Have it surgically cleaned up in your doctor's office and looked at.  You are doing what you can by keeping it moist, preferably with antibiotic ointment.  I hope this helps.  Good luck.

1 month post op. Is my nipple graph failing? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Nipple concerns

Answer: Nipple concerns

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1 month post op. Is my nipple graph failing? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Nipple concerns

Answer: Nipple concerns

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Masculinizing Top Surgery

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