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

I had a small opening at the "T". I am NOT a smoker. Today I saw my PS and he thought that it was a suture not allowing it to heal. He debrided it. It is now a hole. I trust my doctor but it all happened so fast I forgot to ask some questions. Since he debrided does that mean I have some necrosis? Will it heel quickly now? Is this uncommon? I have a silver patch on it now. He wants to see me weekly now. I'm scared. Will it get bigger? I have no infection. Is the silver patch proper protocol?

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8 Doctor Answers | Asked by CantWait77

Doctor Answers (8)
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Wound separation in anchor incision

Repeat after me: "This too shall pass. This too shall heal." This problem of spitting stiches and wound separtion can happen after just about any procedure where structures are lifted and/or tightened. It is always very frightening for patients a it is for you. Patients are almost always amazed that it does heal with time and often ends up looking JUST FINE. If you end up "spitting" a lot of your sutures, make sure the surgeon... more

Anchor ("Inverted T") Breast Lift Wound Separation

Unfortunately you are suffering a known complication of the procedure. I assume its possibility was discussed with you before the surgery and it certainly should have been discussed with you at your last visit. It is ALWAYS a good idea to go to your surgeon's visits with another person who can listen to the same information conveyed to you and ask questions you cannot think of asking because you may be overwhelmed. Whenever Plastic surgeons lift skin off the underlying structures and... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD

35 reviews

Memphis Plastic Surgeon

Anchor Scar Wounds

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... more

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You appear to have a common complication of breast lift or reduction, specifically delayed healing, most common at the " inferior T zone". Smoking is definitely a risk factor, so it is good that you do not smoke, but non-smokers of course can have healing issues. Your plastic surgeon is doing just tbe right thing with debridement (removal of dead "necrotic" tissue)' appropriate cleaning and dressings, and close follow up. With time you will heal fully and ultimately your scars can be... more

Open wound after breast reduction

I know that this is very scary for you, but I would encourage you to be patient. The corners where everything comes together at the inverted-T incision sometimes do open up -- usually because of ischemia or tension. Fortunately, your body is really good at healing itself. Once it is open, it will heal from the inside out -- it may take a few weeks though. You can help it along by following your surgeons instructions, making sure that it is clean, and making sure that... more

Delayed Wound Healing after Breast Augmentation/Lifting?

Thank you for the question and pictures. What you are experiencing can occur occasionally after breast augmentation/lifting surgery. The delayed wound healing has to do with blood flow/tension in the area of the “T” junction. I think your surgeon is treating you correctly and I believe that you will be just fine after 2 to 3 weeks of healing. I would suggest continued close follow-up with your plastic surgeon. For real reassurance don't hesitate to express... more

Common issue after inveretd T surgery

This is unfortunately not a rare issue after an inverted T incision. Good news is you doctor is taking the right approach and taking care of you. This will heal in a few weeks time with appropriate wound care.

Anchor incision breakdown

The anchor incision sometimes breaks down at the "T." Yes, this means there was some skin necrosis. Debridement of this dead tissue will allow things to heal properly. It may take a few week.

Steven Wallach, MD

13 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

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