Puffy 5 Months Post Op

[cduub]

Just have a question,is it normal for your nipples to be puffy 5 months post op because its really concerning me? Also is there a way to feel if its gland or just scar tissue? I was pleased after surgery then out of no where back to puffyman.....

[Litlriki]

At 5 months, if the nipples remain puffy, it can be related to scar tissue, and the first thing I do is try a Kenalog injection to see if that resolves the problem.  This is frequently all that's required (it may take more than one injection).  If the problem persists, then a little additional excision might be required, but this isn't common in my practice, though it does happen on rare occasion.

Rick Silverman

[Dr. Elliot Jacobs]

Puffy nipples should not last for five months after surgery.  If they were flat originally post op, then the cause may be a buildup of scar tissue.  But if they were never flat, then perhaps there was inadequate removal of breast tissue or inadequate release of the surrounding skin.

Best to re-visit with your surgeon to discuss what can and should be done.

Dr Jacobs

[DrPensler]

There are a couple of possibilities which include immediate postoperative swelling which masked inadequate excision of glandular tissue , recurrence due to steroid use,scar build up,or excessive weight gain and fat increase locally.I would recommend you raise your hand up like a child in school asking a question and then feel the nipple /areola complex to see if you can palpate any tissue. In any case you need to discuss with your surgeon to see what would be appropriate as mentioned by Dr. Jacobs.