Skin Discoloration After Breast Surgery

Question

I had breast surgery 2 weeks ago and the skin around the nipple is peeling. Is this normal? How long does it take for the normal color of the nipple to return?

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Commonly after surgery, the wound edges may peel or blister. The underlying skin may be pink. Around the areola, it may be signficantly lighter than the normal areola. This should be evaluated to make sure there is no skin necrosis. Typically the areola pigment will return but not always. Discuss your concerns with your surgeon.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Sometimes after surgery there may be some skin peeling. This can be from numerous causes: the tape irritating the skin, swelling, dry skin, and skin necrosis. Just make sure it is not the latter.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

You needed to be more specific than just saying "breast surgery" - ie was it a lift or a reduction or just an augmentation? Where are the incisions? The reason is that depending on what you had done, peeling skin off the nipple could be a sign of blood flow compromise to that tissue from the surgery. Go back to your surgeon for a check. Probably, it will all resolve spontaneously as long as the color is not dark or black.

Skin Discoloration After Breast Surgery

Answers (3)

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