Question:
Has anyone been disfigured after plastic surgery?

I had a tummy tuck and a breast lift/implants on April 21, 2005.Due to necrosis, I have lost my nipple and aerola.. two corrective surgery's later.. It's a mess.. and looks awful..and is infected. I have switched Doctors at this point..It looked better before plastics. Has this happened to anyone else? Is there any wesite I could read about how others dealt with it? I had a lap rny 2/18/2002.. I am now 126lbs.    — Pattyrau (posted on July 24, 2005)

July 25, 2005
If I were you hon, I'd not only change Doctors IMMEDIATELY, I'd take some pictures of your current condition and consult a good attorney. Good luck to you. I hope you find someone that can help you fix this mess. Jan Camara
   — jani204

July 26, 2005
Dear P., I feel badly about what happened to you after your surgery. After doing a few hundred breast surgeries, the only women who had nipple healing problems were those who were smokers. I have a policy not to operate on smokers and they should quit for at least one month before the surgery and refrain at least one month after. The nicotine and toxins prevent crucial oxygen from getting to the healing tissues and constricts the blood vessels. Cigarettes are terrible for healing. Did you smoke around the time of your surgery? Regardless, there is no way to change the past... so, at this point you will need some revisions to try to re-create a normal looking nipple. Did you have any problems with the implants? I hope things turn out well for you. Sincerely, Joshua Kreithen, M.D. Sarasota-Bradenton, FL lakewoodranchplasticsurgery.com
   — Joshua Kreithen, M.D.

July 26, 2005
Not knowing all the particulars in your case, I can only speculate. My plastic surgeon told me that in rare occasions necrosis or numbness can happen. I don't smoke, but that was one of the first things he asked me. He has his patients quit 1 to 2 months before and after also. I know this isn't helping, but a plastic surgeon will do their best to give you the results you want. It may take a few procedures though. I don't believe it is something you should sue for. You didn't say if he wasn't giving you proper treatment or if he ignored your concerns over the necrosis. I hope things will improve for you. Please let us know.
   — [Deactivated Member]

July 28, 2005
Hi. I'm sorry you have had this happen. I do include loss of the nipple or areola due to poor healing in every patient's consent firms, plus I discuss the possibility personally with them. Smokers and those with thin skin or a very long breast are at increased risk for this. The situation takes a long time to resolve, but the final result can be made to look acceptable with the use of reocnstruction and permananet makeup applied to the area (tatooing) as is done wiht women who have had cancer reconstructions.
   — DrL