Burned nipple - will it grow back to normal? What could have caused this? (Photo)

Question

After breast implant surgery my right breast was leaking through my sweater. I didn't look until next day my new shirt was wet again & as I was taking off the bra the skin on my nipple came off. It looked like I had a big blister & it ripped off, pretty deep. For about 5 days it was raw & leaking & got stuck to the bra daily. Finally it started to dry up. What caused this, surgery tools & will it grow back to normal? Dr said bra caused it but I don't think so. Left side is good. Never seen this.

George Bitar, MD · Answer

There could be multiple causes to the blisters on your breasts.  They may be caused by any adhesive or tapes placed around the nipple; friction due to an ill-fitting bra, especially if the skin is wet; and/or bunching of dressings under a tight bra.  Without knowing exactly what happened in the operating room, it would be difficult to know the exact cause.  The good news is that those areas are typically treated with topical antibiotics and will likely heal well.

Gianfranco Frojo, MD · Answer

There are many reasons that this could have happened. Sometimes a surgeon will place an adhesive to protect the nipple-areola complex so that it will not be exposed during surgery. You could be having a reaction to that adhesive. Other times, if your doctor placed this adhesive dressing and did not remove it...the swelling can actually cause traction on the nipple-areola complex after the surgery is complete. It is unusual, but it is a possibility for there to be significant swelling after a breast augmentation procedure and that alone can cause skin blistering. I would recommend seeing a board certified or board eligible plastic surgeon with aesthetic surgery training/experience who can perform a full exam and provide safe recommendations.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Blossominglady,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You need to ask your surgeon what he/she thinks happened.  You did not state how soon after surgery you noticed the leaking.  It should heal but may leave some scarring. Cosmetic, not artistic, nipple tattooing might help once completely healed.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear of the issues you have been having with the nipple area.  If the wound was caused by friction from your bra the area should heal fine with minor wound care.  Be sure to closely follow your surgeon's instructions for the best outcome.

Jose A. Munoz, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!From your photo, I note 2 relatively well circumscribed areas of superficial skin loss involving the areola, suggesting a thermal or friction burn. This pattern can be caused by an ill fitting bra, or, If tapes were applied to the area at surgery, this could represent a friction burn as swelling may distort and stretch the skin to the point of surface disruption. With a regimen of local wound care, the areola should heal uneventfully with minimal scarring.Best wishes...

Burned nipple - will it grow back to normal? What could have caused this? (Photo)

Answers (6)

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