I Have 2 Open Wounds and Im Putting Everyday Vaseline or Triple Ointment...what else I Can Do? (photo)

Question

i want it to heal as soon as possible.... my surgery was 3 weeks ago,,,and it happens 1 week ago.

Shitel Patel, MD · Answer

This area has the least amount of blood supply and can have some healing issues. Using Vaseline or bacitracin ointment will help keep it moist and allow it to heal. Please avoid any bras or clothing that would cause rubbing in this area.

Marco Carmona, MD · Answer

Hi. 
Thank you for your question and your helpful picture.
Unfortunately, that’s a common spot for healing complications after a breast lift surgery. It is important to keep it clean, moist and to not traumatize the wound with gauzes or clothing. It is also important that you follow a diet with lots of proteins and vitamins and that you rest as much as you can. 
All the best
Dr Marco Carmona MD

Ryan E. Austin, MD · Answer

Small wound healing concerns following breast reduction are very common, especially at the lower aspect as you are showing. I typically suggest that patients continue to wash 3 times daily with soap and water, place a light coating of vaseline on the incision and a non-stick dressing to avoid pulling off any healing skin. Sometimes it can take 2-4 weeks for these small issues to heal up, but they usually will heal up well without any issues. If you are concerned, then you should meet up to discuss with your plastic surgeon.

Keith M. Blechman, MD · Answer

Developing a superficial wound at the “T-point” two to three weeks after a breast reduction is very common.  It occurs because the skin in that area is under the most tension and also has the most compromised blood supply after surgery.  The good news is that if you are healthy, don’t smoke, and get plenty of protein in your diet, it will heal.  At my practice we typically treat these wounds with either band-aids or gauze alone, although sometimes will add a prescription strength ointment such as silvadene.  It’s best to contact your plastic surgeon to have the wound evaluated, and be given an appropriate treatment plan.  Good luck!Keith M. Blechman, MDNew York, NY

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Areas of delayed healing are common in reduction and often predictably arise at high tension points (the convergence of the vertical and transverse limbs). Luckily, these wounds are typically self resolved healing on their own over the weeks following surgery.Wound care recommendations typically involve antibiotic ointment and dressing changes while avoiding underwire garments.As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Jeff Angobaldo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. The area that is concerning for you has the highest tension and least amount of blood supply in a breast reduction closure. It is an areas that can break down causing a superficial wound. Please see your surgeon for his recommendation. The area is not infected. Many times the wound will heal within 1-3 weeks

Justin Yovino, MD, FACS · Answer

Unfortunately, this is a very common area for wound healing problems. The good thing is that is will heal and the scar will likely be flat and well hidden under the breast. It's important to keep it moist while new skin is forming. I would avoid topical antibiotics since you may start to react to it. Aquaphor is a nice topical agent. Once it has completely healed, keep the whole area moisturizer with standard moisturizer. Make sure you attend your follow up appointments with your plastic surgeon.

Joshua Cooper, MD, FACS · Answer

It appears from your photo that you have some delayed wound healing, and this occasionally happens after the breast reduction operation. 
	
		The good news is that by keeping this area moist with either bacitracin ointment, triple antibiotic ointment, or vaseline, you may speed up the healing process.   And it sounds like that is exactly what you are currently doing. Likely, you will be completely healed in a couple weeks.  
	
		Lastly, it is always a good idea to keep in close contact with your plastic surgeon so that he/she may evaluate your healing progress and make any other recommendations if necessary. 
	
		Best of luck to you!

David Mattos, MD · Answer

unfortunately these wounds happen sometimes and the most important thing is to keep them clean and moist. If you do that, they will heal pretty quickly. How quickly depends on how big the wound is and what healing capacity your body has. If you're healthy and well nourished it will heal in a few weeks, otherwise it could take longer, especially if the wound is bigger. 
-Dr. David Mattos, New York Plastic Surgical Group

Tracy Kayan, MD · Answer

From your photo it looks like you are well on your way to healing. This area can open up as early as 1 week after surgery, but typically it usually happens around the 2-3 week mark post operatively. Keep doing as you are with local wound care, and being careful not to allow clothing to traumatize the area, and it will get better. Call your surgeon if the wound bleeds a lot, is red/painful or smells bad.

I Have 2 Open Wounds and Im Putting Everyday Vaseline or Triple Ointment...what else I Can Do? (photo)

Answers (15)

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