Is this T junction wound healing properly? Does it look necrotic? 1 month post-op breast reduction. (photos)

Question

I had a breast reduction almost 4 weeks ago and this wound in the T junction is scary looking. When they took the steristrips off there was “blistering” underneath and they ended up having to take some stitches out that were trying to come through. I was told to put ointment on and cover. It looks like it is getting worse to me. The black spots in the wound are NOT scabs. Is it necrotic? How often do I need to change my dressings?

John Paletta, MD · Answer

It does appear that you have necrosis at the T-junction. Thank you for including the pictures. It looks like you have a very nice result. Necrosis at the T-junction is quite common. It does not appear to be infected. I would agree with local wound care as prescribed by your surgeon. Good luck.

Pankaj Tiwari, MD · Answer

You are having wound healing issues at the T-junction. This is not uncommon after breast reduction surgery.  I do not see any necrotic tissue in these pictures, but it is hard to tell about the black area.  You should be changing your dressings twice each day.

Richard Zinn, MBChB, MMED, FRACS · Answer

Hi there.
Plastics surgeons have a name for this area - it is called the angle of sorrows.  It is an area where 3 suture lines come together and often has a breakdown with your outcome.

DO NOT FEAR

Although this is a moderate sized breakdown, it looks clean and the rest of your wound is healing nicely, suggesting there is no active infection.
Be sure to listen to your dressing nurses.  Apply antibiotic ointment daily, and some non-occlusive dressing.  Change this every day or two, depending on how soiled the dressings appear.  It a few weeks, the wound will start to contract and heal over.  This is the best course of action as scarring is minimized and will minimize the likelihood of costly return to theatre.  The body will naturally eject any infected material.  You can expect full healing by three months.

The only cause for concern will be long term draining (8-12 weeks), increasing redness, pain, swelling and offensive discharge.  If these worrying signs occur, consult your GP or surgeon immediately.
All the best

Keith T. Paige, MD · Answer

Thank you for including photos.  Problems with healing in this location are very common after breast reduction.  What I see on your photos is most consistent with some necrosis.  I usually reassure my own patients that this is common and that routine wound care (soap and water - keeping clean) and time will often take care of it although it will be some weeks to months to finally heal.  If you have any further concerns, I would certainly suggest that you contact your surgeon.

Is this T junction wound healing properly? Does it look necrotic? 1 month post-op breast reduction. (photos)

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Answer: T junction wound healing problems after breast reduction

Answer: T junction wound healing problems after breast reduction

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Is this T junction wound healing properly? Does it look necrotic? 1 month post-op breast reduction. (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: T junction wound healing problems after breast reduction

Answer: T junction wound healing problems after breast reduction

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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