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Scars Splitting After Breast Reduction Surgery, What Can I Do to Speed Up Closing/Healing Process?

asked 7 months ago by Bonzo
Latest answer by Kelly Gallego, MD
Question viewed 290 times
Tags: healing, incision

Had my 5-week update with surgeon. Both my breasts have split along vertical scar that runs from below breast to nipple. Surgeon said 50% of surgeries result in these splits and said to use neosporin and keep them covered with gauze bandage. I'm wondering if there is something that I can use to speed up the closing of the skin along the scar? I have a golfing vacation scheduled in 3 weeks and want to be sure that I can swing a club.

7 answers to Scars Splitting After Breast Reduction Surgery, What Can I Do to Speed Up Closing/Healing Process?

+1

Wound problems after breast reduction

One of the most common problems encountered after a breast reduction is a minor wound dehiscence or a delay in wound healing. These wounds infrequently require minor in office debridement, and usually heal within a few weeks with appropriate wound care. For my patients, I usually prefer to use a topical antibiotic ointment such as neosporin and non-adherent pads. These dressings are changed at least once a day, usually after the patient bathes. Another... more
Kelly Gallego, MD

Sioux City Plastic Surgeon
+1

Wound separation

Wound separation at the "T" or a portion of the vertical closure is not uncommon with breast surgery. This quite often heals with conservative wound care, but should be followed closely.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Late wound separation may be due to nutritional deficiency

Wound separation can happen late, but the most common causes are late infection and diet. In my experience, women are frequently dieting, or at least watching what they eat. Young mothers often go weeks without sitting down for a proper meal, eating their kids' leftovers instead. While these eating patterns may be fine to sustain an unijured, healthy body, nutritional requirements go way up when healing a surgical wound. I generally have my patients eat 2 eggs and... more
Elizabeth Lee, MD

Bay Area Plastic Surgeon

artfulsurgery.com

+1

Scars Splitting After Breast Reduction Surgery, What Can I Do to Speed Up Closing/Healing Process?

Consider LED light therapy, oxygen therapy, and good wound care. You might need to consider a vacation change of plans. Sorry.
Darryl J. Blinski, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1

Wound healing issues after breast reduction are uncommon

'Splitting scars' after breast reduction is an uncommon problem - 50% rate is very high. It sounds like you've developed wound healing delay along both vertical scars. This problem generally heals without surgical intervention. Some patients need a scar revision procedure to deal with widened scars in this situation. Keep the wounds clean and moist and follow up closely with your surgeon.
Scott Sattler, MD

Bellevue Plastic Surgeon
+1

Split wounds after breast reduction

Unfortunately you haven't shown a photo but a 50 percent rate of wound separation would be excessive. You can use dressings but I would suggest that achieving wound closure should take precedence over swinging a golf club. Enjoy your vacation and, if your wounds aren't closed by then or you have other concerns, please ask your plastic surgeon to provide you with a list of board certified plastic surgeons in your vacation area.
Robert L. Kraft, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon

www.foresthillsplasticsurgery.com

+1

Breast reduction and wound healing problems

Thank you for the question and congratulations on having heavy breast reduction procedure; hopefully (eventually) you will be very pleased with the results of the surgery. Based on your description, local wound care under the direction of your plastic surgeon is indicated. I would suggest to use of “nonstick” dressings ( run this by your plastic surgeon) covered by sterile dressings. If the rooms are clean and can be re-approximated without tension,... more
Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon

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