Is this areola skin in my vertical incision? Is this fixable? (Photo)

Thank you for your question.
This is not your areola skin, rather a tethered scar. A scar can take up to a full year to mature where it will become thinner and lighter. I recommend using a silicone based scar treatment such as Biocorneum. If the appearance of the scar does not improve, I recommend speaking with your plastic surgeon to discuss other forms of scar treatment. This can include steroid injections, laser, or even a revision.

Hi v.lynne,
For patients with widely spread areola, it is sometime impossible to remove the entire areola and still get the vertical incision to close without too much tension. In that scenario, a portion of the areola is retained, and closed into the vertical incision.
Over time your skin will stretch, and it may be possible to re-make the incision around the lower half of the areola and the vertical incision, and cut out the retained areola tissue.
Hope this helps.
Best,Christopher Pannucci MDBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon Plastic Surgeon NorthwestSpokane, Washington

Hello @v.lynne, thank you for your question and showing your pictures. Scarring has a maturation cycle of approximately one to one and a half years depending on the patient's skin. An examination would give you more information about what can be done. Please have in mind that the scar takes different features depending on the process inherent to the patient's health and skin condition. I link a video to shed more light. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS.

Yes, that is the areola skin that is present. This is typical from the anchor technique, which I have not used in 25 years. You will need a scar revision.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

This seem to be part of your vertical scar. Rxcision in local anesthesia should be considered. Good luck.

With breast lift and breast reductions, the nipple areolar complex and breast tissue are repositioned and lifted. Often the areolar, the pigmented area around the nipple is reduced to be more proportionate to one's new breast. If the preop areolar is quite large, residual areolar pigmentation may be present around the vertical scar. After swelling subsides, the extra areolar pigment can frequently be excised under local anesthesia.

Dear v.lynne,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

That’s exactly what it is snd it is quite simple to cut it out under local anesthesia. It’s not uncommon and you should go back to your original surgeon

Greetings. Yes, this is areolar skin which has been moved along the vertical incision line during your surgery. This happens sometimes when the areolas are very large. This is a easily fixable situation. Re-excising along the vertical incision line can remove that tissue. This can usually be done in the office at a local anesthesia. Discuss it with your surgeon.

Best regards

Dr. Deboni

Yes, you have some residual areolar skin in your vertical scar. This can be revised once the skin and breast have relaxed. Please discuss your concerns with your surgeon.