How Serious is an Incision Opening 4 Weeks After Breast Augmentation?

Question

I had implants 12 years ago over the muscle and it was amazing. They looked great, recovery was 2 days. They started to look very firm and fake and it appeared I had some scar tissue. Therefore, I decided to go under the muscle. It's been a nightmare. Pain still after 4 weeks, they sit very high, they look uneven and when I lean forward the skin hangs giving it a tubular look. I wear a painful band at night, I do massages all the time and now after 4 weeks my incision reopened. Is this normal? Should I avoid working out?

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	I am sorry to hear about the complications you are experiencing after revisionary breast surgery. Keep in mind that the operation you have undergone is significantly more complicated ( and generally has a longer &ldquo;recovery time&rdquo;) compared to first time breast augmentation surgery.  Converting breast implant position and management of the overlying skin and breast tissue can be a challenging operation and generally does involve a several month period  of healing and skin redraping etc.

	How serious of a problem the incision opening is will depend on physical examination. I would suggest close follow-up with your plastic surgeon. He/she will be able to answer questions much more precisely.

	Best wishes.

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question and for sharing your experience with us.  
You will find that every few days the wound will get smaller.  Once the 
wound closes, it will go through a great deal of remodelling and in many
 cases become very acceptable in appearance.  If there is a remaining 
indentation or widening of the scar that is unacceptable, then I would 
recommend waiting six months to year before undergoing any minor 
revision. I would avoid working out until several weeks after the incision closes or until you get the go ahead from your surgeon.  It is important that you stay in touch with your surgeon 
throughout this process.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

An incision opening can be many different things at many different levels. Uusally at 4 weeks it is possibly a suture extrusion. If there is drainage it may be more significant and the implant can become exposed.  The best thing to do it see your surgeon to be evaluated.

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

Most likely an incisional opening after four weeks at the lower breast fold is superficial and does not  extend deep and expose the implant. I would get evaluated by your plastic surgeon to make sure it is just that. Until you get evaluated, I would stop massaging and banding to avoid any undue stress on the incisional opening. Otherwise there is a big difference between implants that were initially placed above the muscle and changing them years laters due to capsular  problems to a submuscular position. They are not comparable operations in terms of recovery.

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

A small and superficial opening may be due to a suture working its way out. However, you should notify your surgeon to make sure it is no more serious.

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How Serious is an Incision Opening 4 Weeks After Breast Augmentation?

Answers (9)

Answer: Breast Augmentation Incision Opening

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