Nipple Areola Necrosis? (photo)

Question

I wanted to get feed back as to if It looks like its healing properly, I put the silverdene on it everymorning what changes will I expect? When If fully heals how will it look? I had my surgery on november 13, 2012 and I dont know what to look for or to expect. Please Help Geminit

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to see/hear about the complication you have experienced after breast reduction surgery. As you know, it will likely require several more weeks of dressing changes and minor debridement procedures before the wound has completely healed. As time goes on, you will notice that the tissues will look healthier ( with more red tissue and less yellow/brown tissue).

	In the longer term, you may benefit from the nipple/areola reconstructive procedures. Patience will definitely be  necessary;  sometimes multiple “smaller” procedures are necessary to achieve the desired outcome.

	Continue to follow-up with your plastic surgeon. Best wishes for a long-term outcome that you will be pleased with.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The nipple areola necrosis you have should be examined to determine if anything further needs to be debrided.  At this point, the area will need to heal.  Then a revision can be contemplated after healing is complete.  You may be able to get to the result you seek, but it will take a little longer.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

The picture demonstrates a significant wound with loss of the areola and fat necrosis. Healing will take a number of weeks because of the poor blood supply to the fat in the breast. Attentive wound care will be necessary for good result. The areola will probably have to be reconstructed secondarily.

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

It appears that have have near total loss of the nipple and areola.  Did this happen on both sides or just one - it is hard to tell from the pictures.  In either case, you need to follow closely with your plastic surgeon with aggressive wound care.  Eventually, you may need a skin graft and tattooing to help reconstruct your nipple & areola complex.

Joel Aronowitz, MD · Answer

Although I agree with the doctors below that your wound will heal with current treatment I would recommend a surgical debridement. There is a significant amount of necrotic (dead) tissue which must be removed. Once the dead material is gone your body will be able to heal your open wound quickly and allow you to proceed with the nipple reconstruction you will require.

Nipple Areola Necrosis? (photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Nipple & Areola Necrosis

Answer: Nipple & Areola Necrosis

Answer: Necrotic nipple needs debridement

Answer: Necrotic nipple needs debridement

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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Nipple Areola Necrosis? (photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Nipple & Areola Necrosis

Answer: Nipple & Areola Necrosis

Answer: Necrotic nipple needs debridement

Answer: Necrotic nipple needs debridement

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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