My nipple is purple. 3 days post op. Is this normal? (photos)

Question

Hi there, I had a Maxopexy & Breast Augmentation on Tuesday the 1 Dec 2015. In Surgery for 3 hours, a lot of excess skin. Everything is going fanatic post op. I have very little pain. Last night I checked my nipples and my left nipple is purple. The right one is a light pink. I panicked. I saw my surgeon this morning & he says the flow is still great in the nipple. He says it is bruising. I had my drains removed & dressing cleaned. Now i see him in a week. Pls help,am I losing my nipple?

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,This can be related to normal bruising, however to ensure that there is good, healthy blood blow to the nipple, it is best that you be examined in person.All the best

Vaishali B. Doolabh, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi xTeLLex.  Thank you for the photos.  Clinically, your nipple should be warm and the blood (when the areola is pricked) bright red if there is good flow.  Discoloration can occur if there is too little inflow through arteries, in which case warm compresses are helpful.  Discoloration can occur if there is too little outflow through the veins, in which case warm compresses make things worse.  Resolution of bruising takes days.  Be sure not to compress the nipples too much with an overly tight brassiere, and don't lay on your stomach. Stay in close touch with your plastic surgeon, follow their instructions, and notify him or her of any changes. Good luck!

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.

Since there has been a change in your post op course, please contact your surgeon so he can examine you and recommend most appropriate treatment plan at this time.

The best way to assess and give
true advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified
plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative breast surgery.

Best of luck!

Dr Schwartz

Reza Momeni, MD, FACS · Answer

Unless your surgeon has already seen this, notify them immediately and be seen within 24 hours.  Be sure to discuss with your own surgeon about how this applies to you, and whether they have any special concerns in your case.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Thank you for your pictures.  It sounds like you have done all the right things after surgery. Your surgeon has evaluated it .  In my opinion, I would be concerned about the blood flow to the nipple due its color.  Please keep close follow-up with your surgeon.

My nipple is purple. 3 days post op. Is this normal? (photos)

Answers (9)

Answer: Purple nipple after operation

Answer: Purple nipple after operation

Answer: Blood Flow Issues

Answer: Blood Flow Issues

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Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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My nipple is purple. 3 days post op. Is this normal? (photos)

Answers (9)

Answer: Purple nipple after operation

Answer: Purple nipple after operation

Answer: Blood Flow Issues

Answer: Blood Flow Issues

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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