Breast reduction/tummy tuck went wrong. Both procedures done in September 2021. Options? (photos)

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!

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

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

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.

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.

You should enter the operating room and reduce the breast volume to be able to close the wound. if you don't do it you will be 6 months until it heals

Hi and welcome to our forum!
From your photos, I note a significant wound dehiscence with a degree of tissue necrosis of the vertical suture line of infraareolar tissues after your breast reduction. I assume these photos were taken shortly after the dehiscence.
Wound dehiscence is a known complication of the procedure. This may occur as the result of infection or due to limitation in blood supply to the tissues due to preexisting vascular disease, a tight closure, or in individuals who smoke cigarettes (as nicotine is a powerful blood vessel constrictor).
As the skin is elastic, it will retract away from the incision, creating a defect much larger than the tissue loss itself.
Treatment is usually initially conservative, consisting of frequent local wound care. When the tissues appear healthy, a secondary closure can be performed. A skin graft may or may not be required.
We are now 8 months since your surgery. What does the wound / scar look like now? Did you undergo debridement? Did you undergo secondary closure?
In order to provide you with useful information, we need to visualize your current state.
Best wishes...