Breast lift incision infection. What do I do? The wound is gapping open. Am I gonna have a massive scar? (photo)

Plastic surgery scars require attention after surgery so that they remain cosmetically-appealing and barely noticeable. In our office, we use a protocol for scars that minimizes their activity in the 6-8 weeks after surgery. If you have late plastic surgery scars, you may also require laser and RF therapy to help reduce the longterm effects of the scarring. Keloids, hypertrophic scars, widened scars, red scars, and hyperpigmented scars all require scar modulation with topical creams followed by lasers and RF therapy. Topical skincare should be directed to a specific need, whether for pigmentation or hypertrophy and our office can guide you through the process to obtain the correct Plato’s Scar cream or Melarase cream for hypertrophy and discoloration. In terms of lasers, we would employ the vbeam laser for redness, Venus Viva RF, PRP microneedling, chemical peels, and Morpheus 8, fractional erbium, or fractional co2. All of these have their individual benefits. Most of all, we recommend you visit a solid plastic surgeon who understands surgical scar revision, laser therapy, and RF therapy for scars.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Dear Nikki_Veva,this type of wound is not uncommon after breast lift. It is usually caused by poor blood flow. I would suggest you to consult your plastic surgeon, follow your surgeon's instructions and keep your wound clean and covered. It can take few weeks or months for wound to fully heal. Daniel Barrett, MD

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Thank you for your question and submitting your photos.  Some of the urgency with which you will need to seek care will depend on whether or not you had implants placed at the time of the lift.  The risk of implant exposure definitely makes finding qualified care a priority.  Although the open wounds may appear unsightly right now, the body is an amazing thing and most open wounds will go on to heal with much better appearing scars than what you might originally think.  The biggest key to success moving forward is finding a qualified plastic surgeon who can peform and examination and assessment and partner with you in getting healed.  Best wishes on a speedy recovery.

Breast lift installation problems?  I am so sorry that this is going on with your breast after your surgery! If you need to know what to do with the wound, I think you need to reach out to your plastic surgeon right away. Most often, bones like this will heal rapidly with appropriate care. Please call your plastic surgeon and make them aware of the situation as soon as you can.I hope you get better soon and that you have a wonderful day, Dr. Aldo

So sorry to see that you are going through this, and that your surgeon has not been responsive to you.    We wound certainly expect our colleagues to be responsive when a patient has a problem.    Obviously, you need to find another plastic surgeon if you are not getting prompt follow up.     Wound issues in this are not an uncommon problem with your surgery, especially when a larger implant is done at the same time.     If you have an implant that was put in, it is especially important to be followed closely.      You will have a wide scar, but it will likely heal better than you imagine, and the scar can be revised in necessary in the next year.     Get the care you need and you should do well. 

For now, you need to do proper wound care and be followed by a physician to make sure you are healing well. A culture would be helpful to know what kind of bacteria is present. Once healed, the scar can be revised later. Please go visit with your surgeon.

Nikki_Veva Hi There , Thank You for Your Question The photos you send , tell me that you had implants too , and that is a real risk of infections , the scars you should not worry about it , it might seem they will look bad after , but the human body is an amazing machine it will heal , the risk here are if the implants are showing,  I know your PS is not answering you calls so try to go to a hospital or medical center and have that check out ASP , wish you the Best of Luck .

Hi and welcome to our forum!
The operative procedure of mastopexy (breast lift) involves
dissection of the skin and soft tissues of the breast from underlying breast
tissue. The skin and soft tissue is then advanced downward and the excess skin
and soft tissue is removed in an inverted "T" fashion.  
If there is impairment of the blood supply to the breast skin and
soft tissue, the segment of the flap the greatest distance from its blood
supply may not survive (at the junction of the inverted "T" flaps).
The cause of the blood supply impairment can range from effects
of smoking, diabetes mellitus, vascular disease, previous surgery in the
area (disrupting the normal blood supply), infection, or may totally
inapparent.  
Treatment consists of removal of the unhealthy tissue, followed by
intensive wound care. One looks for the development of granulation tissue, a
beefy red vascular tissue, to develop, after which time the wound will begin to
shrink. Most wounds of this size will seal over a span of 1-2 months.
However, a regimen of frequent wound care is required after unhealthy
tissue is removed. 
Contact your plastic surgeon if he / she is unaware of the problem
and follow instructions given. I am often surprised how well these scars heal. If necessary, a simple scar revision will improve appearance after 6 months have elapsed.
Best wishes...

You can develop a serious situation in a short amount of time if not cared for reasonably soon.  See your doctor ASAP or another Boarded Plastic Surgeon who can guide you to recovery.