A hole increasing in size after breast reduction & lift. Is this normal? (Photo)

Question

I’ve gone to my doctors office three times for help, I informed him 1st time I was in pain & felt pulling(no wounds just stitches) next appointment I’m in pain the stitches are sticking out in hole area the doc. removes them I inform him I’m in pain I go back today and see a physician the hole is bigger they say it will heal from inside out use antibiotic cream and keep dry! Now hours later it’s bugger my entire arm, chest and beast area hurts. Is this normal for the hole to increase in size?

Hayley Brown, MD, FACS · Answer

Delayed healing and open areas after breast reduction are very common. They usually do get bigger before they heal. These are usually related to poor circulation to the skin edge or fatty tissue underneath. Sometimes deeper sutures get inflamed and spit out through the incision. Be patient and trust your doctor. They can take weeks and sometimes a month or two to heal. They do need to heal from the inside out. As bad as they initially look, I am always amazed how they rarely affect the final outcome.

Tim Neavin, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and for your photos. Based on your photos provided, delayed healing and open sores after breast reduction is common. They usually get bigger before they start to fully heal.

A hole increasing in size after breast reduction & lift. Is this normal? (Photo)

Answers (2)