How would you treat an area of eschar on the incision line post reduction that is approx. 1.5" x 2" at the bottom of the breast?

Question

Original reduction 3 weeks ago. Treating area with bacitracin. Then how long would you wait to do a revision to remove this area?

Paul M. Steinwald, MD · Answer

Dear Emmajune - time is on your side with so many issues in plastic surgery, and definitely with minor wound healing issues (unless widening/distortion, or drainage or full-thickness skin loss - usually black -  is developing . . . )  What you are describing is not uncommon (assuming an anchor-pattern scar) and usually heals very nicely from "inside out" with topical antibiotic ointments, avoiding further trauma (including good support) and most of all, "tincture-of-time".  Even if the resulting scar is not as sharp or is displeasing, would give that 6 months minimum before even thinking of a revision (and mostly if it would improve your contour; the scar should definitely fade, but if not, steroid infiltration at the time of reclosure -which should be under less overall tension the second time around, with a natural boost to the blood supply - may help.  Still a good idea to follow-up with your surgeon sooner than later (especially if the skin has turned black, but even then the above advice likely would apply . . . ) Hope this was helpful!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It is always best to discuss this with your surgeon.  The eschar can be left in place and allowed to separate on its own, or some may decried it and all secondary healing.

How would you treat an area of eschar on the incision line post reduction that is approx. 1.5" x 2" at the bottom of the breast?

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How would you treat an area of eschar on the incision line post reduction that is approx. 1.5" x 2" at the bottom of the breast?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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