Had reduction and lift 3 weeks ago. At week 2, steri strips and end of stitches were removed. Was told to use antibacterial soap (which has fragrance and is not good for my skin) on the incisions. All of a sudden in this week 3, I see yellow/greenish area on “T” part and a lil on areola (both left breast). PS nurse assures me no prob and I have an appt Monday. As a vegan and never having wound issues, should I be concerned? Often times nurses/docs blow us off then an issue gets worse. Help!
Answer: Breast reduction: Is this an infection? Congratulations on having undergone the breast reduction procedure. Unfortunately, these types of delayed healing problems are not uncommonly encountered, especially at the "T junctions" (related to blood supply and tension concerns). Although obviously distressing to patients, the open areas usually do not represent an infection. These wounds go on to heal through a process of contraction where the tissues heal from the sides towards the center of the wound; this process usually takes several weeks to occur, depending on the size of the wound. Occasionally, removal of unhealthy tissue (debridement) and/or removal of exposed sutures, may expedite the healing process.
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Answer: Breast reduction: Is this an infection? Congratulations on having undergone the breast reduction procedure. Unfortunately, these types of delayed healing problems are not uncommonly encountered, especially at the "T junctions" (related to blood supply and tension concerns). Although obviously distressing to patients, the open areas usually do not represent an infection. These wounds go on to heal through a process of contraction where the tissues heal from the sides towards the center of the wound; this process usually takes several weeks to occur, depending on the size of the wound. Occasionally, removal of unhealthy tissue (debridement) and/or removal of exposed sutures, may expedite the healing process.
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January 29, 2019
Answer: Breast Reduction Dear Cmello77,Thank you for your questions. The irritation in what is known as the "t-zone area" is not uncommon for this operation. I usually tell my patients to use Bacitracin. Neosporin is okay, so long as it does not contain Lidocaine, as that may sting. Continued monitoring closely by your Board Certified Operating Surgeon and compliance with their instructions will lead you to recovery. No need to worry.
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January 29, 2019
Answer: Breast Reduction Dear Cmello77,Thank you for your questions. The irritation in what is known as the "t-zone area" is not uncommon for this operation. I usually tell my patients to use Bacitracin. Neosporin is okay, so long as it does not contain Lidocaine, as that may sting. Continued monitoring closely by your Board Certified Operating Surgeon and compliance with their instructions will lead you to recovery. No need to worry.
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January 28, 2019
Answer: Breast wounds Thank you for your questions and pictures. It appears as though you have a minor wound separation in areas of your incisions that normally have the most tension. That said, it does not appear to be infected. I recommend you keep the area clean with which ever soap your skin does well with and then apply an antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin or Bacitracin until your appointment with your surgeon. All will heal fine in the long run.
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January 28, 2019
Answer: Breast wounds Thank you for your questions and pictures. It appears as though you have a minor wound separation in areas of your incisions that normally have the most tension. That said, it does not appear to be infected. I recommend you keep the area clean with which ever soap your skin does well with and then apply an antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin or Bacitracin until your appointment with your surgeon. All will heal fine in the long run.
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January 28, 2019
Answer: Incision healing Dear cmello77,this type of wound is not uncommon after breast reduction. It is usually caused by poor blood flow. 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
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January 28, 2019
Answer: Incision healing Dear cmello77,this type of wound is not uncommon after breast reduction. It is usually caused by poor blood flow. 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
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Answer: Infection After Breast Reduction? The photos you submitted don't appear to show any infection, but this is best examined in person by your board certified plastic surgeon. Small openings in the skin are common in this "T" junction area. My patients are advised to keep the area clean with soap and water daily. I don't recommend Neosporin - it is a triple antibiotic and ends up giving most people rashes if they use it long enough. Talk to your surgeon about what he/she recommends in this area. Your surgeon's office staff know you the best! Best of luck to you!
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Answer: Infection After Breast Reduction? The photos you submitted don't appear to show any infection, but this is best examined in person by your board certified plastic surgeon. Small openings in the skin are common in this "T" junction area. My patients are advised to keep the area clean with soap and water daily. I don't recommend Neosporin - it is a triple antibiotic and ends up giving most people rashes if they use it long enough. Talk to your surgeon about what he/she recommends in this area. Your surgeon's office staff know you the best! Best of luck to you!
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