Breast lift wound separation: should I have it re-stitched by a surgeon or try local wound care (vacuum) first? (Photos)

Question

I’m 19 Days PO, my surgeon is not local but I am in contact with his coordinator. He suggests that I return to re-stitch, clean & monitor for a week. I don’t want to re-stitch if problem might happen again. I read it’s better to not re-stitch. I have appointment locally with wound care next week. Treating wound with silver dressing, Dakins & Manuka honey currently. How long should I wait for healing before I consider returning to re-stitch? I’d prefer to stay local in (NYC).

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about the complication you have experienced.  You will find that there are many ways to treat these open wounds; there is not necessarily a "right answer".  Much will depend on your physical examination, your plastic surgeon's judgment/experience/preferences,  and your preferences.
 Generally speaking, 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/month to occur, depending on the size of the wound.  Sometimes, depending on the size of the wound, a wound vac may be helpful.  Occasionally, removal of unhealthy tissue (debridement) and/or removal of exposed sutures, may expedite the healing process.  Generally, I would not recommend direct wound closure;  I think that the risk of infection and potential need for reopening the wound is significant.
 In my practice, I would likely recommend that you continue to exercise patience and allow the wound to heal by contraction or consider the use of a vac device.
Best wishes; hopefully, you will be very pleased with the longer-term outcome of the procedure performed.  Sometimes revisionary surgery (for example scar revision) as may be necessary to improve the outcome and/or breast symmetry.

John Paul Tutela, MD · Answer

Thanks so much for reaching out. At this point in time I would suggest continuing with local wound care. Do this until the wound is completely healed. You will likely have to wait 12 to 18 months have this area revised.I hope this helps :-)

David Finkle, MD · Answer

The photographs really don't show the wound, but it looks quite large.  I would continue with local wound care.  It might take weeks/months for this to heal, be patient.  A scar revision could always be performed in the future.Good Luck!

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You may have waited too late for reclosure and will need to continue with wound care until healed. Later, your surgeon can revise your scar should it be too wide.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Dear ZNYC,Thanks for the question and photos.  Sorry you are experiencing issues.  You should NOT restitch your wounds.  It rarely works.  You must allow the wounds to heal totally and then revise them in 12 months.Best of luck.Dr T

Breast lift wound separation: should I have it re-stitched by a surgeon or try local wound care (vacuum) first? (Photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Reclosure

Answer: Reclosure

Answer: Wound infection and breakdown

Answer: Wound infection and breakdown

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Breast lift wound separation: should I have it re-stitched by a surgeon or try local wound care (vacuum) first? (Photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Reclosure

Answer: Reclosure

Answer: Wound infection and breakdown

Answer: Wound infection and breakdown

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift

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