The aim of this case report was to describe a rare complication in the rehabilitative phase: nipple necrosis resulting from reduction mammaplasty. the patients in the two cases presented, having systemic disease, did not receive optimal treatment for the prevention of pyoderma gangraenosum; a plausible cause of the complication. Patients having systemic disease ought to undergo thorough examinations before submitting to any reduction mammaplasty. © 1995 Plenum Publishing Corporation.