Should I be worried my left areola is suddenly very dry and chapped? (Photo)

Question

There is an itchy rash and it is also a bit discolored. I'm 2 weeks post-op.

Yannis Alexandrides, MD, FACS · Answer

Dryness of the areola is not uncommon after surgery. You have to apply a moisturising cream - we use a healing serum at my clinic to improve the quality of the skin. You may also benefit from the use of the '111SKIN Y Theorem Repair Serum' which is essentially a very similar product but available for customer purchase.

Frank Lista, MD · Answer

It is quite common for patients to experience dry skin following surgery. Some surgical preoperative washes are antiseptic and strip the skin of any possible topical materials that can lead to infection. Unfortunately, this also results in the removal of the skins' natural moisturizing oils resulting in dry skin. You must discuss this with your surgical team, I'm sure they've see this before and can give you recommendations appropriate for you specific needs. All the best with the rest of your recovery.

Ali Riza Öreroglu, MD · Answer

If you are following the after care orders of your doctor precisely, maybe a small check-up with your doctor to be safe might be good. During the healing process, parts of the body that was operated on can react differently from time to time.Hope this helps,Ali Rıza Öreroğlu, MD FEBOPRASEuropean and Turkish Board Certified Aesthetic, Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeonIstanbul, Turkey

Christopher J. Davidson, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photograph.  Since you have new onset rash, itching and color change, my advice is to follow up with your plastic surgeon.  Best of luck.

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

Kryleem.  I appreciate your concern, but sometimes scars can be dry right after surgery and moisturizer can help. However if it appears that you have a rash that is itchy, you should check in with your plastic surgeon for further treatment. Good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Hi Kryleem,

I understand your concern. But, dry skin following a surgery is quite common. You can ask your plastic surgeon for recommendations on a good skin moisturizer that you can use.

Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS
  
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
  
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
  
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Hello!  Thank you for your question!  It is common for this to occur as the swelling subsided after such a surgical procedure. I typically recommend application of lotion/oil and massaging of the areas. Follow up with your surgeon to address your concerns and recommendations for treatment. Best wishes!

Genevieve F. Caron, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questionYou seem to be having a rash, redness, itchiness, dryness, I suggest you follow up with your surgeon.Moisturizing cream can help but make sure the cream is without perfume as it can make things worst!Best Wishes
Dr Genevieve FCaron, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Montreal, Canada

Karl William Schwarz, MD · Answer

As swelling resolves the skin which was very swollen shrinks and it leaves behind dry skin and tends to peel off and is a normal process. Simple moisturizes lotion can help with the dryness but in time the skin will become hydrated again and return to normal. Itchy skin is part of the normal healing process and will continue to get better. I don’t see a rash in your photos but you would need an exam to determine this.Concerns are hot, red skin, or dark, black spots that signal a problem.Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Member, Florida Medical Association

Mahmood Kara, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

If this does not improve by itself, it would be wise to see a dermatologist who typically knows more about medical skin conditions than the average plastic surgeon. We are always happy to see any and all patients. We offer online / telemedicine consultations for your convenience. (Btw, you have a very nice result from your augmentation mastopexy...it looks like you will be very happy).M. Kara, MD, FRCSC - Over 30 Years Experience
Specializing in Out To Dinner / 24 Hour Recovery Breast Augmentation.
Offering Saturday Consults, Surgery, and Followups - Never miss a day off work!
Operating from an “in-hospital” certified, private surgery centre for your safety and peace of mind!

Should I be worried my left areola is suddenly very dry and chapped? (Photo)

Answers (11)

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