Black scab?

[fnnewguy]

I have dried black scab type things on both areolas. What causes this? Is it common?

[Dr. Elliot Jacobs]

Sometimes there is temporary diminished blood flowing to the skin when a peri-areolar incision is made.  The result is the top layer of skin dries out resulting in a scab.  It is similar to skin drying and flaking off after a bad sunburn.

Usually the scab will fall off by itself in a week or so after it has healed underneath.  You can hasten it by applying any antibiotic ointment so that it doesn't dry out.  Do not pick it off -- it will cause bleeding and delay your healing.

Dr Jacobs