Had nip-sparing BMX 9/23~ w/ Reconstruction~ NIPPLE DISCHARGE?!

MarieJune

Hi everyone. I'll quickly brief you in on my journey- Nipple Sparing bilateral mastectomy 9/23/14...cellulitis/lymphedema 10/19 (7 day hospital stay), capsular contracture & excessive scarring f/ drain having been in for 45 days... TE ruptured on left side 1/18 & emergency surgery 1/22 direct to implants.

Strange things I've noticed are crusty yellowish dried stuff on right nipple, and went to squeeze it last week & noticed a large amount of clear fluid. ?!?! I was super shocked! Haven't ever had discharge from nipples since breast feeding all 4 of my kids as babies. Last time was in 2007 for my twins. Haven't had any type of discharge since.

Question is: IS THIS NORMAL? Something to just brush off and ignore, or is it something going on? It's been happening since I got implants on 1/22.....before that it was just some crusty dried up stuff....didn't think anything of it since I almost lost that nipple due to necrosis, but saved it with tlc and medicines.

Has anyone had this happen after mastectomy (with or without recon?) I've literally searched the web everywhere but get same answers: "if your nipples leak, it could mean cancer or cysts, go get your BREASTS checked....treatment for cancer: mastectomy" yes, yesssss, I know, thank you internet, lol! I've gotten past that point and would love to see "nipples leaking discharge AFTER mastectomy. Lol.

Thank you to anyone who can help me solve this case.

Many blessings to my friends on here.

Marie J Mello

DiveCat

If you have nipple sparing, some tissues behind the nipple are still left behind (to what degree depends on surgen, their skill, and experience with NSM). Ideally very little tissue should remain, just enough to improve chances of keeping the nipple alive, but this does not always happen. So, stuff can still happen in those tissues and get discharged. Your nipples may also have discharge if you have an infection or fluid build up (eg, around implant). Your nipples aren't "closed off" during surgery after all.

Given your description of yellowish discharge, which can be a sign of infection, I would get it checked out to be on the safe side.

MarieJune

very great things to think about & excellent advice. I see my surgeon Monday, so I'll ask him. Having major stomach pain in my upper right area so had literally every blood lab done...it will show infection for sure if I have one. Glad I had that much blood taken for sure.

I'll let you know how it comes back. It's just very strange! And with the issues in having w/ implants, I would t be surprised. I'm on the pic forum and posted many pics under my revision of breast recon.

Thank you so much