Breast reduction wound getting bigger. Treating it with Silverdene for 2 weeks. (photo)

Question

I have been treating open wound with Silverdene for almost 2 weeks and it's getting bigger and is bleeding. It was much smaller to begin with. Why is it getting bigger? I treat twice a day and cover with bandaid. Should I be letting it air dry instead? Problem is it oozes.

Ross Blagg, MD · Answer

Hello,Sorry you're having this problem. This area is a common area to have delayed healing after a breast reduction. It appears healthy so keep the silvadene going and keep follow-up with your surgeon. All the best, Dr. BlaggAustin, TX

James D. Frost, MD · Answer

Wound healing difficulties are frustrating for everyone.  It is particularly frustrating for you because you have probably never seen anything like this before.  Trust that your physician has seen this many times and is doing the best thing to help this heal.  Silvadene is a great treatment.  Please be patient.  It will take longer than you think it should but it WILL heal.  Itwill probably heal with a scar that is not much different that the side that is not having this problem.  Keep in touch with your surgeon and follow the advice given.

Genevieve F. Caron, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.
Woung healing issue post breast reduction isn't uncommon but can be really frustrating for the patient and the surgeon. Your wound look healthy without sign of infection. You need to be patient and wait for the contraction phase to begin...Something switching ointment is not a bad idea as different ointment has different spectrum against bacteria that may be sitting in the wound. I often suggest Polysporin or Bactroban. Also, make sure to have a close follow up with your surgeon.
Best Wishes
Dr Genevieve F. Caron, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Montreal. Canada

Nick Masri, MD, FACS · Answer

It is not uncommon to have some skin separation  following breast reduction surgery. Local wound care with Silvadene and various antibiotic ointments is routine. At times the wounds may become larger and start to bleed. This is usually an indication that there is inflammation of the wound which is required for normal wound healing. Kind of like when someone trips and sprains their ankle. It swells up. The only difference is that in your case there is a wound going through the area that is inflammed, so it separates. The bleeding is usually a sign that healthy tissue is being formed at the base of the wound which suggests conditions are favorable for the wound to begin closure. 
Follow up with your surgeon closely. Close supervision of wound care and your progress is essential. As healing progresses your surgeon may want to try a different treatment regimen. Best Wishes

Breast reduction wound getting bigger. Treating it with Silverdene for 2 weeks. (photo)

Answers (4)