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complications and concerns

At the first sign of an infection or complication, contact your surgeon.

Signs of Infection:

  • Fever: a sign that your body is fighting infection
  • Abnormal Swelling: some swelling is normal, rapidly increasing swelling is not
  • Redness: some redness is normal, spreading redness around the incision sites is not

Hematoma: an accumulation of excess flood underneath skin

  • Sign of hematomas: hard, swollen, painful area with color change around incision site
  • Small hematomas are likely to clear up on their own
  • Large hematomas may require additional drainage and rarely additional surgery

Nipple/Areola complications (NAC):

  • Loss of Free Nipple Graph (FNG)
    • May not take or survive healing process
    • Can result in partial or complete loss
    • Nipple tattooing is a popular option once area is fully healed
  • Pigmentation Changes
    • NAC color can become lighter or darker
    • Not necessarily a cause for concern unless persistent redness or swelling
  • Lack of Sensation
    • Partial or full loss of sensation in the NAC
    • Some sensation can return over time

Seroma: an accumulation of serous fluid underneath skin, may require additional drainage

  • Drains can prevent pools of seroma fluid called seromas.
    • Small seromas are usually absorbed back into the body over time
    • Large seromas require being drained.

Excessive bruising: large or patchy bruising occurring near or around incisions or chest

  • Blood vessels can be damaged during surgery, causing bruising
  • Certain medications can affect blood clotting (i.e. Aspirin)
  • Use cold compresses in 10-to-20-minute intervals to reduce bruising
  • Most bruising will resolve on its own
    • Bruising can go from dark blue or purple to a yellow or green color as time progresses

Asymmetry/Appearance:

  • Uneven appearance or contour of chest due to healing, surgery technique, and natural body asymmetry
  • Dog ears, an area of pursed skin, usually diminish in appearance but might require surgical revision
  • Your chest will not look exactly how it will after several months of healing
    • Be patient and note any abnormalities
    • Allow for initial swelling to subside before assessing
    • Follow post-op care plan to promote even healing
  • If necessary, it may require surgical revision to achieve desired appearance