Im 39 year old woman that went in for breast reduction and tummy tuck in September of 2021. My results are not what I expected at all. I did both procedures at the same time looking back it makes me feel they should have been split up. Two weeks after my surgery my right breast opened up from the base to the nipple. I have been healing since then. Doctor only looked at it and reapplied ssv cream at every visit. It was horrible. The pain was so bad I would cry when taking a shower. Help me!
Answer: Complications I'm sorry to hear of the complications you experienced after you tummy tuck and breast reduction. It is important that you communicate openly with your surgeon about your questions and concerns. You can get a second opinion or see a wound care specialist if desired.
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Answer: Complications I'm sorry to hear of the complications you experienced after you tummy tuck and breast reduction. It is important that you communicate openly with your surgeon about your questions and concerns. You can get a second opinion or see a wound care specialist if desired.
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June 16, 2022
Answer: In-person evaluation Thank you for your question. I'm sorry for what you have gone through! I would strongly encourage you to seek another opinion in person. There isn't much that we can do via internet photos. You may need to pay for a visit, but it will be worth it. Good luck!
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June 16, 2022
Answer: In-person evaluation Thank you for your question. I'm sorry for what you have gone through! I would strongly encourage you to seek another opinion in person. There isn't much that we can do via internet photos. You may need to pay for a visit, but it will be worth it. Good luck!
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June 4, 2022
Answer: Hoping the right breast continues to heal Hi Marietta82, Thank you for providing the photos for clarity. The right-to-left closure of your Wise (inverted T) incision didn't survive, and the dead skin turned into a scab. When the scab released, there was nothing holding the right to left closure together, hence the gap that developed. At the time (it looks like you are months out), I would have suggested an in office (or less likely, in OR) debridement/cleanup, and dressing changes. When the wound was healthy and clean, a smaller wound can be left to heal in from the edges, while a larger wound might require a skin graft. I hope you continue to heal. Best,Christopher Pannucci MDBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonPlastic Surgery NorthwestSpokane, Washington
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June 4, 2022
Answer: Hoping the right breast continues to heal Hi Marietta82, Thank you for providing the photos for clarity. The right-to-left closure of your Wise (inverted T) incision didn't survive, and the dead skin turned into a scab. When the scab released, there was nothing holding the right to left closure together, hence the gap that developed. At the time (it looks like you are months out), I would have suggested an in office (or less likely, in OR) debridement/cleanup, and dressing changes. When the wound was healthy and clean, a smaller wound can be left to heal in from the edges, while a larger wound might require a skin graft. I hope you continue to heal. Best,Christopher Pannucci MDBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonPlastic Surgery NorthwestSpokane, Washington
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May 12, 2022
Answer: Breast reduction/tummy tuck went wrong Dear Shonicka, I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice. Daniel Barrett, MD Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
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May 12, 2022
Answer: Breast reduction/tummy tuck went wrong Dear Shonicka, I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice. Daniel Barrett, MD Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
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May 12, 2022
Answer: Complications following breast reduction surgery Thank you for sharing your photos and your story. I am so sorry that you experienced this complication and although you may not be an active smoker, this is the dreaded complication that often happens in patients that smoke. Vaping and smoking pot or marijuana is very common now and many patients do not disclose this information to surgeons even when they smoke pot every day. Many patients think that it's OK to smoke "medical marijuana" for pain control post operatively and in my experience, the result can be worse than smoking tobacco. Now I am NOT saying that your are a smoker, I am only stating that this is exactly the reason that many plastic surgeons do not operate on patients that admit to smoking. It appears that there is good evidence of wound healing with new skin (re-epithelialization) at the base of the wound. I would recommend that you continue dressing changes until you are healed. The loss of pigment will return to some degree and revision can be performed after several months to remove any scar or areas where the pigment does not return.
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May 12, 2022
Answer: Complications following breast reduction surgery Thank you for sharing your photos and your story. I am so sorry that you experienced this complication and although you may not be an active smoker, this is the dreaded complication that often happens in patients that smoke. Vaping and smoking pot or marijuana is very common now and many patients do not disclose this information to surgeons even when they smoke pot every day. Many patients think that it's OK to smoke "medical marijuana" for pain control post operatively and in my experience, the result can be worse than smoking tobacco. Now I am NOT saying that your are a smoker, I am only stating that this is exactly the reason that many plastic surgeons do not operate on patients that admit to smoking. It appears that there is good evidence of wound healing with new skin (re-epithelialization) at the base of the wound. I would recommend that you continue dressing changes until you are healed. The loss of pigment will return to some degree and revision can be performed after several months to remove any scar or areas where the pigment does not return.
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