Should I be worried after anchor lift with no implant? (photos)

Question

Hi I’m just looking for your excellent professional opinions. I’m 36, no kids 5ft 7 51kg. 4 weeks post op anchor lift no implant. After 2 daysI lost skin at the vertical incision, my PS removed stitches at the 2 week mark and the skin split further. There has been no infection and 2 days ago she removed the dead skin. She is happy at new skin is forming and I cover the area in Vaseline and gauze 2x daily. I’m worried about this affecting the final shape and lift.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear about the complication you have experienced; Although understandably distressing to patients, these types of incision line (wound) healing problems tend to heal over the course of several weeks. Sometimes, the area may look worse before it looks better. Most often, even larger open wounds have healed by the time a patient reached the two months post op mark.
These wounds go on to heal through a process of contraction where the tissues heal from the sides towards the center of the wound; occasionally, removal of unhealthy tissue (debridement) and/or removal of exposed sutures, may expedite the healing process. Close followup with your plastic surgeon will be important; treatment regimens will vary from one practice to another.  Sometimes removal of a exposed suture and/or removal of any unhealthy tissue will expedite healing.  Also important to concentrate on a healthy diet, including good protein source.
 
Best wishes; despite the incision line healing problem it is most likely that you will be pleased with the longer-term outcome of the procedure. As you know, longer-term scar revision surgery may be very helpful.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear scrappapod,
This type of wound can occur after breast lift. It is usually caused by poor blood flow and increased tension on incision line. I would suggest you to consult your plastic surgeon, follow your surgeon's instructions and keep your wound clean and covered. It can take few weeks or months for wound to fully heal. 
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Although your situation looks dramatic right now it will improve and heal without significant shape, size change. Very likely scar revision will be needed; in that time additional shape adjustment may be done if needed. Good luck.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

I am so very sorry you are going through this. You will heal. In about six months after you are healed, your surgeon can revise the scars to make them smaller and tighten any loose skin.  Once the scars are revised, there may be no extra loose skin. It may take a few procedures, but most, if not all, could be done in the office under local anesthesia.  Keep following your surgeon's instructions and follow up with her frequently.

Leonard Tachmes, MD · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
I am sorry that you have suffered a complication of mastopexy surgery. The operative procedure involves
separation of the skin and soft tissues of the breast from underlying breast
tissue. The skin and soft tissue is then advanced downward and the excess skin
and soft tissue is removed in an inverted "T" fashion.  
If there is impairment of the blood supply to the breast skin and
soft tissue, the segment of the flap the greatest distance from its blood
supply may not survive.
The cause of the blood supply impairment can range from effects
of smoking, diabetes mellitus, vascular disease, previous surgery in the
area (disrupting the normal blood supply), infection, or may totally
inapparent.  
Treatment consists of removal of the unhealthy tissue, followed by
intensive wound care. One looks for the development of granulation tissue, a beefy
red vascular tissue, to develop, after which time the wound will begin to
shrink. Most wounds of this size will seal over a span of 8-12 weeks. A regimen of frequent wound care is required after unhealthy
tissue is removed. In most cases the size of the skin defect is exaggerated by skin retraction. As the wound shrinks, breast shape will become apparent.
Your wounds appear fully granulated and appear to be demonstrating evidence of early contraction.
Follow your plastic surgeon's instructions for wound care. If, after sealing and healing, the scars prove unfavorable, revision can be contemplated in 6 months. I am surprised as how well these scars often heal!
Best wishes...

Should I be worried after anchor lift with no implant? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Breasts

Answer: Breasts

Answer: Delayed healing after mastopexy

Answer: Delayed healing after mastopexy

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift with Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Should I be worried after anchor lift with no implant? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Breasts

Answer: Breasts

Answer: Delayed healing after mastopexy

Answer: Delayed healing after mastopexy

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift with Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.