Wound opened after breast lift. Is this normal or infected? (Photo)

Question

I just had a breast lift 3 weeks ago and I noticed a couple days ago that I have an open wound would the wound expand more and get bigger ? Is it infected ? What can I put on it to heal faster

Jeffrey D. Wagner, MD · Answer

Your pictures show a wound dehiscence at the inframammary trifurcation, which is a common complication of mastopexy.  It is usually minor and will heal in within a few weeks with conservative care.  I do not think you have an infection, but you should discuss with your plastic surgeon.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello Selena,Great question. Thank you for your pictures. Wound dehiscence is not uncommon. Follow your surgeon's post op instructions. Good luck with your recovery.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Wound separation can occur. At this point, infection is a concern. Common signs of infection include redness and excess warmth in the area as well as smelly discharge. I suggest you see your surgeon as soon as you can to get this checked out.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear selena201230,
this type of wound is not uncommon after breast lift. 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
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry and pictures.  Ask your surgeon about silver dressings like Aquacel Ag, I find they can accelerate wound healing, good luck.

Fernando Colon, MD · Answer

I would suggest that you contact your surgeon asapfor an evaluation. He needs to make a diagnosis andrecommend a wound care protocol accordingly.Best wishes.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You need to be seen by your surgeon and cultures can be taken to see if you need antibiotics. You do need to be instructed in proper wound care.  This is not normal.

Chad Robbins, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question and photo's.   That is a common area to open up due to the high tension which affects blood flow , then in turn causes a small opening.  They typically close on their own but it takes a couple weeks.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about the complication you are experiencing.  These types of complications can be quite (understandably) distressing to patients;  unfortunately, sometimes the wounds do look worse before they begin to look better. The wounds tend to occur where incision lines come together (where there is the greatest tension and least blood supply).  These types of wounds tend to be more concerning, if there is an underlying breast implant present; avoidance of implant exposure will be one of your plastic surgeon's concerns.
Close follow up with your plastic surgeon will be very important; sometimes removal of a exposed suture and/or removal of any unhealthy tissue will expedite healing.  There may be different treatment modalities recommended; best to "stick with" your plastic surgeons recommendations. Generally, this will involve application of some type of sterile dressing ( in my practice I use a non-stick dressing covered by a sterile dressing once a wounded is clean).   Also important to concentrate on a healthy diet, including good protein source.   Best wishes.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

what you have is frequent in nature and it will heal.  If you have an implant under there too, you should check with your surgeon to make sure there are no concerns about exposure of the implant as that would be catastrophic.  Good wound care will allow it to heal if with a lift only.