Anchor Breast Lift Incision Separation. What To Expect After Debridement? (photo)

Hello CantWait77,

This is fairly common, and your surgeon might have touched upon this indirectly when talking about the possibility of unexpected scarring. This problem is due to the highest tension and the poorest blood supply to the skin flaps in the inverted T region. It sounds like your doctor is doing everything right: not ignoring it, debriding the necrotic tissue (which was apparently minimal from your photos), covering it, and following you closely.  This should heal in one to two weeks, and look angry for a few months before it starts to mature and whiten. Don't be scared, you'll be fine; you might not even desire any revision of this scar.

Best of luck!

One of the reasons I
never use anchor incisions is because the flaps meet in a T-shape, which frequently
dehisce resulting in open wounds and scarring. 
Your results are typical of this procedure.  It is treated with wound care and you may
eventually need a scar revision.  Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

That silver stuff is ideal and it will heal this wound quickly.  You are in good hands and this can happen to anyone.  your surgeon is doing all the right things.

Thank you for your question and for sharing your experience with us.  You will find that every few days the wound will get smaller.  Once the wound closes, it will go through a great deal of remodelling and in many cases become very acceptable in appearance.  If there is a remaining indentation or widening of the scar that is unacceptable, then I would recommend waiting six months to year before undergoing any minor revision. It is important that you stay in touch with your surgeon throughout this process.

It’s not unusual for patients
to have wound healing problems following keyhole mastopexies.The problem typically occurs where the
vertical incision meets the transverse incision.This location is at risk for wound separation
for a variety of reasons.These include
poor blood supply to the skin flaps in this location, the downward force of the
breast tissue against the closure, and high levels of bacteria that occur in
the area of the inframammary fold.All
of these factors can contribute significantly to wound breakdown in this area.Once breakdown has occurred, wounds tend to heal by secondary
intention.Tissue tends to form a layer
of granulation and wounds contract.The
skin grows over the top of the granulation tissue.In the initial phases of healing, there may
be an intense inflammatory response that can make the wound look red and angry.For these reasons, these wounds should be monitored
closely.If infection appears,
antibiotics should be started immediately.In the interim, local wound care should be continued with dressing
changes.When this approach is taken,
wounds tend to heal nicely.Rarely scar
revision may be necessary as a secondary procedure.If you have questions or concerns about how
your wound is healing, it’s important that you discuss them with your plastic
surgeon.Your surgeon should be able to
address your concerns and alleviate your anxiety.

Thank you for the photo. What you are experiencing is not uncommon with breast lifts and reductions. The area is on tension, and that may effect wound healing. There may also be a spitting suture or some other issue. Suture or steri-strips is not what is needed at this point. Please continue to be seen by your board certified plastic surgeon, and tell him/her your concerns. Together, you will be able to come up with a plan.