Based on many experiences I've read on this site, it seems like it is not uncommon for an opening/wound separation to appear somewhere along incisions (especially by the "t" site). What causes this to occur, and when should I be concerned? More importantly, how can it be prevented?
Answer: Why is wound separation common during breast reduction recovery and how can it be prevented? Wound separation following breast reduction surgery is more common than it should be. Firstly, it is important to avoiding operating on active smokers. The toxins in cigarettes damage blood flow in the skin and can contribute to skin loss (necrosis) and wound separation. Secondly, it is important for the surgeon to avoid creating excessive tension on the wound closure. Also, it is important to select the appropriate suture types and sizes to allow stable closure. Finally, in order to avoid creating a T-junction, which is the commonest site of separation, I nearly always do a vertical breast reduction. This technique can be used in the great majority of breast reductions, and avoids the inframammary scar entirely. All the best.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
Answer: Why is wound separation common during breast reduction recovery and how can it be prevented? Wound separation following breast reduction surgery is more common than it should be. Firstly, it is important to avoiding operating on active smokers. The toxins in cigarettes damage blood flow in the skin and can contribute to skin loss (necrosis) and wound separation. Secondly, it is important for the surgeon to avoid creating excessive tension on the wound closure. Also, it is important to select the appropriate suture types and sizes to allow stable closure. Finally, in order to avoid creating a T-junction, which is the commonest site of separation, I nearly always do a vertical breast reduction. This technique can be used in the great majority of breast reductions, and avoids the inframammary scar entirely. All the best.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
Answer: Eliminate wound separation by eliminating T-shaped incisions Wound separation does not occur using The Bellesoma Method because there are no T-shaped incisions. The vertical scar has been eliminated. The other advantages of this technique are that nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained. Your breast tissue is reshaped creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevated higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Also, the weight of the breast is transferred to the underlying pectoralis major muscle resulting in pain relief without excessive reduction. This may be an alternative for you if you are considering breast reduction.Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.
Helpful
Answer: Eliminate wound separation by eliminating T-shaped incisions Wound separation does not occur using The Bellesoma Method because there are no T-shaped incisions. The vertical scar has been eliminated. The other advantages of this technique are that nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained. Your breast tissue is reshaped creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevated higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Also, the weight of the breast is transferred to the underlying pectoralis major muscle resulting in pain relief without excessive reduction. This may be an alternative for you if you are considering breast reduction.Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.
Helpful
January 6, 2020
Answer: Why is wound separation common during breast reduction recovery and how can it be prevented? Unfortunately, as you mentioned these types of delayed healing problems are not uncommonly encountered, especially at the "T junctions" (related to blood supply and tension concerns). This area is prone to diminished blood flow and/or separation, related to the breast incisions and tension in the area. 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 to occur, depending on the size of the wound. Occasionally, removal of unhealthy tissue (debridement) and/or removal of exposed sutures, may expedite the healing process. I hope this helps.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
January 6, 2020
Answer: Why is wound separation common during breast reduction recovery and how can it be prevented? Unfortunately, as you mentioned these types of delayed healing problems are not uncommonly encountered, especially at the "T junctions" (related to blood supply and tension concerns). This area is prone to diminished blood flow and/or separation, related to the breast incisions and tension in the area. 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 to occur, depending on the size of the wound. Occasionally, removal of unhealthy tissue (debridement) and/or removal of exposed sutures, may expedite the healing process. I hope this helps.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
November 30, 2019
Answer: T point issues The "T" point is an area common for delayed healing. It is a vascular water shed (i.e. relatively diminished blood supply where 3 flaps meet) under high tension. Patients will typically exhibit some degree of dehiscence (separation) and epidermolysis (sloughing of the upper layers of skin). With some local wound care, these will typically heal secondarily without further intervention. With regards to your specific question, preventing wounds is a function pre-, intra- and post op factors. Healthy non-smoking candidates who have reached a healthy stable weight (preferably with a BMI < 30) will have reduced risk of complications. Intra-op careful dissection and management of tension is important. Finally, incisional care and support plays a role as well.The best advice is to closely follow the recommendations of your surgeon and be patient as these wounds may take several weeks to resolved entirely. As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS) Donovan Rosas MD Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery Member: American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons Real Top 100 RealSelf Hall of Fame
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
November 30, 2019
Answer: T point issues The "T" point is an area common for delayed healing. It is a vascular water shed (i.e. relatively diminished blood supply where 3 flaps meet) under high tension. Patients will typically exhibit some degree of dehiscence (separation) and epidermolysis (sloughing of the upper layers of skin). With some local wound care, these will typically heal secondarily without further intervention. With regards to your specific question, preventing wounds is a function pre-, intra- and post op factors. Healthy non-smoking candidates who have reached a healthy stable weight (preferably with a BMI < 30) will have reduced risk of complications. Intra-op careful dissection and management of tension is important. Finally, incisional care and support plays a role as well.The best advice is to closely follow the recommendations of your surgeon and be patient as these wounds may take several weeks to resolved entirely. As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS) Donovan Rosas MD Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery Member: American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons Real Top 100 RealSelf Hall of Fame
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
November 30, 2019
Answer: Why is wound separation common during breast reduction recovery and how can it be prevented? Separation at the inverted T zone in breast reduction is a very common occurrence. The good news here is that even a separation of 1 to 1.5 cm will likely heal and contract very well to produce a nice thin scar. Just keep it dry and remove the tape. If there is a great deal of wound separation, this may still heal well, but a revision may be needed in the future. Antibiotics are not needed unless there are signs of infection. Follow up with your PS to discuss your concerns.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
November 30, 2019
Answer: Why is wound separation common during breast reduction recovery and how can it be prevented? Separation at the inverted T zone in breast reduction is a very common occurrence. The good news here is that even a separation of 1 to 1.5 cm will likely heal and contract very well to produce a nice thin scar. Just keep it dry and remove the tape. If there is a great deal of wound separation, this may still heal well, but a revision may be needed in the future. Antibiotics are not needed unless there are signs of infection. Follow up with your PS to discuss your concerns.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful