How do I take care of the incisions under my breast after augmentation?

Question

There is a layer of glue over the incision. The doctor said after 1st week wear silicone strips. Are there any stiches that have to be removed? When will the glue wear off? I'm 3 weeks post-op. I still have a lot of pain, burning and pressure. I have been wearing the silicone for two weeks (and i cant imagine not wearing a sports bra, its too painful) but I'm kind of concerned because I don't understand what my incision is closed with.

Adam J. Oppenheimer, MD, FACS · Answer

Each surgeon is different with how he or she closes the incision after breast augmentation.In my practice I see patients 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 1 year after breast augmentation. I use all absorbable sutures and cover the incision with steri strips, which I remove in clinic 1 week postoperatively. I instruct patients to gently cleanse the incisions with soap and water ("let soapy water run over the incisions and do not scrub") at that time. At 1 month, I provide them with silicone cream to apply twice daily.The most critical aspect of postoperative care is patient communication. I give all of my patients my personal cell number and regularly speak to patients about questions and concerns in the pre- and postoperative period. Please find a way to get in touch with your doctor to get an answer to these questions.From your comments, however, it sounds like there are no sutures to be removed. The glue can be strong and may take several weeks to crust off completely. A moist cloth can be helpful, but do not scrub. At three weeks "a lot of pain" is concerning. Again, seek consultation with your doctor so that he or she can keep up with your progress.

Peter J. Capizzi, MD · Answer

Many surgeons close incisions differently.  For our patients, all incisions for cosmetic breast surgery are closed with absorbable sutures, which requires no suture removal. This has been great for our patients and have resulted in minimal scarring and early postoperative return to normal activity.  I do recommend silicone gel on the incisions.  All incisions are allowed to get wet after 12 hours. It is best to ask your surgeon exactly what the incisions are closed with, I expect that "crazy glue" was used on the surface of the skin and absorbable beneath.  Appears all within the norm as does soreness and some pressure. The normal relaxation of skin and release of all pressure will vary slightly based on the size of implant and its relationship to the amount of skin and breast tissue a woman had to start out. Most often, my patients which are from a practice dedicated to cosmetic breast surgery, recover completely with unrestricted activity after 4-6 weeks.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

You are asking very specific questions about your specific surgery that probably are best answered by your surgeon.

How do I take care of the incisions under my breast after augmentation?

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How do I take care of the incisions under my breast after augmentation?

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