How long before tissue necrosis heals after breast reduction?

I had a breast reduction done back in december and am pleased with the results other than one of my breasts is still open at the inverse T. It is still draining and bleeds fairly easily.

I have been using bactroban cream on the site for several weeks. My PS believes it may be fat necrosis. Just curious how long these types of things could take to heal, and if there are any other options to try and get the wound to heal quicker.

It is healing but EVER so slowly!

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7 answers to “How long before tissue necrosis...”

A: Difficult to say without examining you

Shahram Salemy, MD

 It is hard to know exactly what is happening without an exam, but in general things should have healed up by now.  If indeed there is some fat necrosis present, you may need a repeat trip to the OR and possibly excision of this necrotic tissue-- this will probably give you the best chance at a... more

A: Tissue necrosis with breast reduction

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

I would agree that once the dead tissue is completely removed, your wounds should continue to heal. In the meantime, keep in close contact with your surgeon and notify her/him of any change in the quality of the drainage or any other associated symptoms. A pulsatile shower head may be  a very... more

A: Fat necrosis may take awhile to heal

David Shafer, MD

 If you developed fat necrosis after a breast reduction (devitalized tissue) which is still present in your breast, then it may take months for your body to metabolize the tissue and heal the area.  If there is a significant area, then you may need another minor operation to debride the tissue or... more

A: You might need some debridement

Richard P. Rand, MD

The "T" is the fragile area for healing in a breast reduction.  If yours separated, generally it should be totally healed by now.  The fact that it is shrinking and bleeds easily are good signs but the rate of healing may indicate that some necrotic tissue is still present and may benefit... more

A: Can't answer, but...

Scott E. Kasden, MD

The T is the most vulnerable area in general, due to tenuous blood supply.  The length of time to heal depends on the extent of necrosis, size of the area, and your ability to heal (reduced with some diseases, and SMOKING!). Fat necrosis is another issue.   Fat necrosis may resolve over time if... more

A: Persistent necrotic tissue

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD

Wounds will heal more quickly once all the necrotic tissue is removed. If you have persistent areas of non-viability where the blood flow is compormised, then the removal of this tissue will speed up the healing process. Otherwise it is like trying to get vegetation to grow on infertile soil. Ask your surgeon... more

A: Could it also be a suture?

Francisco Canales, MD

Four months is a long time for what sounds like a small area of non-healing.  We tend to use Silvadene cream as our preferred treatment whn there is some tissue necrosis. It keeps the area clean and moist and promotes healing.  I wonder whehther a permanent suture could be the cause of non-healing.... more

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