Ask a Plastic Surgeon--Breast Augmentation-Lift--Reduction--Question 61

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Question 61

Question: I recently had a bilateral subcutaneous mastectomy. Due to slight tissue necrosis after the surgery I lost approx a quarter of each papula. Is it possible to have the papula reshaped or reformed WITHOUT completely removing the nipple areas (papula and aereola)? Or do they have to completely cut the nipples off and reattach them?
From: CW, Colorado 09/06/2008

Response: If you had necrosis of your nipples, removing them and reattaching them would not only be dangerous but not serve any purpose in their reconstruction. If they are in the correct position, I would suggest awaiting healing (some 6 months or so) and then consider reconstruction of your nipples if that is necessary. Generally, the areolae are also affected but, if this is not the case, that is a good sign that blood supply will be sufficient for any reconstruction necessary.

Submitted by: Dr. Gregory Caputy, Honolulu, HI Web site for Dr. Caputy

Posts by Dr. Caputy at "Ask A Platic Surgeon"

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