Areola opened after 4 weeks of breast implants and areola reduction. Is it spitting stitches or is it worse? (Photo)

Question

My incision after breast implants and nipple reduction started to open after 4 weeks. I am being told to leave it alone and put neosporin and gauze on it yet it keeps getting worse. What should I do? My doctor is out of the country and he said I should wait until it heals on its own. I’m not sure if that is the right ting since it keeps getting worse

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear dbreitler,this type of wound is not uncommon after areola reduction. 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

Nathan Eberle, MD, DDS, FACS · Answer

clean and moist as instructed by your plastic surgeon, while it is scary to look at, it can and does happen in plastic surgery, will just take some time to heal then will require revision later down the road

Kim Taylor, FRACS · Answer

You ned to get a second opinion, or at least be seen in person by a doctor.  Your doctor should have another surgeon covering their practice, for cases such as you.  The opening is quite large and will take weeks to months to heal without adequate intervention.  Your wound needs close observation especially as you have implants.  All the best

James M. Sheridan, MD · Answer

Dear dbreitler,Thank you for your question.  It is unfortunate that you've experienced this problem.  In terms of wound healing you should wait now and let this wound close on its own, then you may have it revised after the scar matures (typically 8-9 months).  The local wound care that your surgeon is recommending is adequate although I would recommend that you shower twice a day and then change the dressing.  I would have you use Silvadene ointment on the wound instead of neosporin, but the neosporin is OK.  You should see your surgeon weekly or no less than every other week to keep close tabs on your progress.  Hope this helps & good luck.James Sheridan, MD

C. Coleman Brown, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,I am sorry for your delayed healing issues. It does not appear that there is an active infection or worse, so that's good. The problem is that for some reason you may be reacting to the sutures and their strength is gone, thereby allowing the incision to open. Unfortunately, there is not much to do, but on occasion, one might open it all up, clean the tissue and resuture with a different material.The best thing to do is stay in close contact with your PS so that it can be addressed timely.Best,

Jorge Jiménez Toribio, MD · Answer

Hi darling, thank you for your question.
Don't need to worry because it doesn't seem as if there is any serious infection or something else. It will improve overtime but allow the tissue to completely heal and keep it clean. These issues tend to happen and can be easily corrected if treated well but need to follow up with your PS to make sure everything is alright and prevent any complication. 
Kind regards,
Dr. Jimenez Toribio 
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon.

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