Breast lift w/ augmentation wound healing, is this a possible infection? (Photos)

Question

I am approx 3 weeks post op from my breast lift with augmentation. I got 275cc saline under the muscle implants. My incisions used to look so perfect & clean cut, and now they seem to be widening. My plastic surgeon has been telling me to use bacitracin and gauze. Also in his office he had put some adaptix on me. Why did my wounds expand and widen? Is this normal? Could a possible infection be present? Included are pics that I have been taking consistently. I'm scared about the scarring..

Christopher V. Pelletiere, MD · Answer

It appears that your wounds are superficial skin issues and not deeper or infected.  Conservative local wound care is usually the best option and you should heal well over time.  Just be patient, though, since it may take 4-6 weeks for things to heal.  I hope this helps.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear meganxoxoxo,it is hard to tell without an examination. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations. I would suggest you to stay in touch with your plastic surgeon and follow his instructions.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

C. Jeff Kesler, MD · Answer

Thank you for submitting your question. I have reviewed your photographs. Wound breakdown after augmentation mammaplasty can certainly happen. It appears you may have some tension at the inverted T suture line. The wounds however do look superficial. I would work closely with your surgeon with frequent office visits. Careful local wound care with should result in uneventful healing. If you have widening of your scars you can also be a candidate for scar revision once the scars are well-healed and mature.
Good luck!
Dr. K

Hal Michael Bass, MD · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!The photos you provide demonstrate delayed healing after your procedure. This can be caused by excessive tension at the wound, blood supply issues, or an indolent infection. Wounds similar to this will usually heal over a span of 6-12 weeks with an aggressive regimen of local wound care. A wound culture would be a consideration to rule out infection but unhealthy devascularized tissues may be colonized and give a false + result. I am often surprised how well these wounds heal. If the scar ultimately proves unfavorable, revision of the scar may be required, but I would wait 6-12 months.Best wishes!

Chad Robbins, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photo's.  The wounds are superficial and appear to be healing .  Give it another 4-6 weeks to heal and eventually if you don't like the scar, your PS can revise them.

Breast lift w/ augmentation wound healing, is this a possible infection? (Photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Delayed healing after breast augmentation and lift

Answer: Delayed healing after breast augmentation and lift

Answer: Breast lift w/ augmentation wound healing, is this a possible infection? (Photos)

Answer: Breast lift w/ augmentation wound healing, is this a possible infection? (Photos)

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Breast lift w/ augmentation wound healing, is this a possible infection? (Photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Delayed healing after breast augmentation and lift

Answer: Delayed healing after breast augmentation and lift

Answer: Breast lift w/ augmentation wound healing, is this a possible infection? (Photos)

Answer: Breast lift w/ augmentation wound healing, is this a possible infection? (Photos)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift with Implants

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