What Are Symptoms of Necrosis of the Nipple?

Necrosis is the end point of ischemia or decreased blood flow. The hallmark is a progressively darkening appearance. With regards to your specific question, your described symptoms may or may not be concerning. Based upon your description of your fibroadenoma excision, it would be likely that your nipple was devascularized. The discoloration is likely resolving ecchymosis (bruising). Ultimately, more imprtant than the discoloration is the progression. Necrosis worsens over time (darker) and bruising improves (pinker). Without an exam it is impossible to say for certain.As always discuss your concerns with your board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Hi, 5 days is too soon for everything to look normal. The purple color might still be a sign of bruising. As you
may know, there will be swelling and bruising  after any surgical procedure. Since your procedure is only 5 days
ago, redness is usually the first stage of bruising followed by blue,
purple, and finally, the healing stage of green and yellow. Contact your surgeon if you are still concerned and discuss more information about your aftercare. Best of luck! #RealSelf100

Purple discoloration of the nipple after breast surgery could be a sign of circulation problems. (Generally it is a problem with blood draining away from the nipple through the veins as opposed to blood getting to the nipple through the small arteries). A purple color could also just mean bruising. Prompt follow up with your plastic surgeon is recommended to see which treatment (if any) is necessary. 

Tough to answer this without examination.  This is why it is critical to see your PS.  Only he or she can decide what is going on.  It may be nothing more than your nipple healing, but it could represent something more than that.  Good luck

Dr. V- South Shore Plastic Surgery 

Necrosis of the nipple is a rare condition and can be a sign of an underlying issue. Symptoms may include:1. Discoloration: The nipple may appear darker or blackened.2. Pain: Nipple pain or discomfort may be present.3. Changes in skin texture: The skin of the nipple may become rough, scaly, or ulcerated.4. Sensation changes: Numbness or loss of sensation in the nipple.5. Discharge: Unusual or bloody nipple discharge.6. Swelling: The nipple may become swollen or distorted.If you suspect necrosis of the nipple, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly, as it can be associated with serious underlying conditions, including breast cancer or post-op complication after a breast surgery.

If necrosis is present the tissue will appear black.  However you do not want to wait until that occurs.  If you are noticing changes in the appearance of your nipple/areola I encourage you to discuss your concerns with your surgeon.  It could be normal color changes associated with healing, but it is best to follow up with your surgeon.

Necrosis of the nipple will exhibit black coloration of the nipple. Necrosis means the tissue, or in this case the nipple, is dead. Ischemia, or poor blood supply, usually exhibits a purple color with sluggish capillary refill. Also, with necrosis and tissue death, the sensation to the nipple will be gone. Time for healing will define what tissue is viable or not. Your board certified plastic surgeon should be able to assist you in determining the viability of the nipple(s) and what if anything else needs to be done.

Normally signs of necrosis are dark color and/or discharge that worsens over time.  The purplish color you see may just be bruising, however its hard to diagnose someone without seeing you in person.  Since it is vital to keep a very close eye on that situation, I would definately make an appointment to see your plastic surgeon immediately for an examination.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As soon as you have a concern about the nipple after surgery, you should contact your surgeon.  Any problems that develop with circulation to the nipple need to be dealt with quickly.  Delay may result in loss of nipple/areolar skin and a less appealing result.

Samantha,

The best thing for you to do is to return sooner rather than later to your plastic surgeon so thet he/she can evaluate you and guide your treatment. A purpleish color may mean there is some congection of the veins that drain the nipple area but there is no way to tell without an examination.

I wishe you well.

Dr Edwards

Note: Dr. Edwards cannot give advice about specific medical problems nor should answers provided by Dr. Edwards be substituted for a complete medical history, work-up and an in-personal medical/surgical consultation.