Problems Healing After Double Mastectomy

I'm 1 mo post-op of double "M". My left side had prior lumpectomy and radiation. My skin is having trouble healing in the incision site on my left side. Their is no infection, but some necrosis on the horizontal incision edges top and bottom. I have been undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy for the past three weeks. There isn't much improvement. The top of my left breast is becoming indented, like a shelf. If I have the incision site trimmed and resown, will the new incision heal any better? What would be recommended for the chance of best results?

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3 Doctor Answers | Asked by 6255anon in New Jersey, USA

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Healing After Radiation and Mastectomy

Radiation devices are commonly used in Medicine for multiple indications, like Keloid Scar and Cancer treatments, it is also used in other industries for sterilization, agriculture and research. Despite advances in radiation safety and more 3-dimentional approaches to the treatment of medical conditions, the radiation injury still occurs. Most common areas of local involvement are soft tissues after breast cancer or other soft tissue cancer treatments, and bone. The radiation... more

Poor wound healing following radiation therapy

Unfortunately the only other alternative to hyperbaric oxygen is a muscle flap which is probably over treatment at this point in time.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Helaing is sometimes difficult after radiation

Sounds like you are having trouble healing after radiation. This is normal but unfortunate. If there is not too much necrosis then trimming the necrotic area and reclosing may help speed the healing process. As long as there is no tissue expander or implant under the incision, eventually you will heal.