Is This Normal? What Do I Do if my Plastic Surgeon Won't Help Me? (photo)

I am 38 years old and undergone a breast augmentation (due to back problems) on January 15, 2012. The next day my left breast had split open about the size of a dime. I called the surgeons office and was told by the dr. & his nurse that it is normal but probably caused due to me smoking 1-2 cigs a day. The pain is terrible, what should I do ?

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11 Doctor Answers | Asked by rmshelpme in conway, sc

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Wound healing problems after breast reduction

Hello, Thank you for the photos. It appears that you have wound healing problems after a breast reduction or breast lift. Many factors combine to contribute to wound healing problems. It is true that tobacco use can hurt the healing process. At this time you may benefit from debridement of non viable tissue, further reduction of breast size, and either partial closure or full closure of wounds over a drain. Discuss these with your plastic surgeon as... more

Wound healing problem after breast surgery

Your photos resemble a breast reduction or lift rather than an augmentation. It is certainly true that smoking can result in wound healing problems. The real issue here is that you need immediate attention to help you heal. Have you sent these pictures to your surgeon? If you really do have an implant, it should be removed. You could benefit from hyperbaric oxygen, local wound care, and more surgery to remove dead tissue. Tissue cultures would also be useful in... more

Wound breakdown following surgery

I am sorry you are having this problem. Smoking can certainly cause wound breakdown after surgery. I am not sure how a breast augmentation will cure back problems. You must have a wonderful insurance policy! Nevertheless you now need continuous and well-supervised care from your plastic(?) surgeon. He/she should be seeing you at least twice per week to orchestrate your dressings and wound care. He/she should be debriding any dead tissue at each visit and sending wound swabs for culture... more

Is this normal?

This is a difficult problem and I am sorry you are having to go through this. None of us like to see things like this. Being that said your pictures are more consistent with a reduction, breast lift or breast lift with an implant not a breast augmentation as you describe. Smoking increases wound healing complications up to 12 times more than non-smokers and that is very explicit in the medical literature. Being that said, quitting will help you heal much better. The picture that you show at... more

Is This Normal? What Do I Do if my Plastic Surgeon Won't Help Me? (photo)

Your story and posted photos are impressive to say the least! Seek immediate care as in a doctor who will see you at least twice a week. Have any implant removed if there is one. Seek hyperbaric oxygen therapy and possible skin grafting. You need care now!

Breast reduction and smoking

Smoking increases the risk of complications and this can happen with breast reduction flaps. Usually conservative management with frequent dressing changes is the treatment if there is not infection. Follow your surgeons instructions carefully.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Wound healing problems after breast reduction

Your story and pictures are consistent with problems after a breast reduction. Some of the skin and fat has died and the cigarette smoking may contribute to the problem. You need to be evaluated by your surgeon and you may well need some more surgery to get this to heal. It is a good idea to be seen sooner rather than later.

Wound Healing Problem after Breast Reduction?

I'm sorry to hear about the complication you are experiencing. These types of wound healing problems can occur after breast reduction or lifting surgery. Dressing changes and/or surgical intervention may be necessary; therefore, relatively urgent follow-up with your plastic surgeon is indicated. It is very unlikely that he/she will not “help you”. If this is a case, however seeking consultation with another plastic surgeon will become necessary. Best wishes. more

Complicated breast reduction

It appears that you have very significant wound problems with possible infection and loss of fat tissue (fat necrosis) within the wound. Such serious problems require continuous care so see you surgeon right away. If true that he will not see you, you will need another to step in and help you through.

Breast Surgery Complication

It appears that you had either a breast reduction or breast lift, not an augmentation. You have some tissue necrosis present that can be caused by smoking. Regardless of the cause, you should have your surgeon see you or if not, see another board-certified plastic surgeon for treatment.

Donald Griffin, MD

7 reviews

Nashville Plastic Surgeon

This is not normal

An open wound with prurulence is indication of an infection. You need to be seen in followup as soon as possible. Cigarette smoking placed you at risk for poor wound healing but, now that the situation has arisen, it needs to be addressed. You have written that you had an augmentation but then note back problems so it sounds as though you have had a reduction. Please seek treatment asap!