Do I need to worry about nipple necrosis? Bilateral nipple sparing mastectomy due to breast cancer. 11 days post op (photos)

Question

Do I need to worry about nipple necrosis? I’m 31 yrs old and underwent bilateral nipple sparing mastectomy due to breast cancer. 11 days post op, great recovery overall but the tip of my right breast niple (this one was biopsied to ensure no cancer) is getting darker. I don’t want to lose it. Is this normal? Niple reacts to cold/heat on firmness and it is soft to the touch.

Andrew Ray, DO · Answer

This is just a superficial little bit of ischemia. Your body will be able to heal from this very small area likely with minimal to no scaring. I would keep the area covered with a foam dressing daily to provide best wound healing environment, or at the very least keep area covered with a small amount of aquaphor daily. (Chapstick kind of amount)

Tahira Prendergast, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Those nipples look like they are doing very well. The necrotic nipple would be very black and firm. They will declare themselves with time.

Do I need to worry about nipple necrosis? Bilateral nipple sparing mastectomy due to breast cancer. 11 days post op (photos)

Answers (2)