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.

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

Based solely on your photos, I would agree with your surgeon's assessment. However, keep on eye on it and if it  anything changes for the worse then make an appointment to see your surgeon. Best, Dr. Nazarian

Robert Drielsma, MBBS, BSc, FRACS · Answer

It would be best to follow up closely with your plastic surgeon for their ongoing advice and management.

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question and photos.Based on your photos, your left nipple does not look as healthy as the right; it may have some congestion.Please follow up with your plastic surgeon closely.Best regards.

Michael M. Omidi, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question and photos.  It would be hard to say what is happening to you exactly.  It could just be how your body reacts to post operation recovery.  Based on the photos alone, I would go with your doctor's opinion.  It would be best to have it checked regularly. Best of luck. Dr. Michael OmidiAn in-person exam with a board-certified plastic surgeon is the best way to assess your needs and provide true medical advice.

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