Breast reduction wound healing: it seems to be getting worse. (Photos)

Question

I was having some issues with wound at the T intersection of my incision I saw the PA at my surgeons office and she said to put neosporin and redress the area with gauze which I have done now 3 day later it seems to be getting worse. I don’t know if the neosporin is making it too moist or if I should stop putting the gauze on. The first photo was on 11/1 the second 3 days later 11/4.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon to have a small opening on this site, I usually tell my patients to keep it dry and no ointments of any kind, continue to follow up with your PS

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

It does appear that you have some issues with the triple point.  This is not an uncommon issue and will likely resolve in time with dressing care.  At times it may be necessary to remove some of the non-viable tissue, but in your case it does appear somewhat mild and I would continue following up with your plastic surgeon and follow their recommendations.Hope that helps.

William L. Reno, III, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon to have a small healing issue where the incisions meet following a breast reduction.  This will heal but can often take several weeks.  If you feel that the Neosporin is causing problems, speak with your surgeon and you can switch to a different topical medication.  Follow your surgeon's wound care instructions and be sure to keep your follow-up appointments.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear tiff_br01,this type of wound is not uncommon after breast reduction. It is usually caused by poor blood flow. I would suggest you to 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, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Tracy Kayan, MD · Answer

A non-healing area will often look worse before it starts to look better, especially 3-4 weeks out from surgery. As long as the area is not red/infected and you are in close contact with your plastic surgeon, I would advise just giving the area further time to heal and taking it easy in terms of using your arms for lifting or reaching to avoid putting more tension on this area of delayed healing.

Robert M. Kachenmeister, MD · Answer

Thanks for reaching out and sharing a photo. Wound healing at the T section of scar can be an issue. I am sorry you are experiencing these issues, be sure to follow your surgeons instructions as he/she knows your case best. Also be sure to be seen weekly until it is resolved. best of luck. Dr. Kachenmeister

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

It is not unusual to develop wound issues at the joins of the scars. The wounds need to heal from inside out and it sounds like you are getting good advice from your PS. This will heal and I would keep in contact with your PS during this process.

Tim Sayed, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Some delayed healing at the inverted T triple-point or along the lower horizontal incision is not uncommon after breast reduction. Typically, if my patients have some slow healing here, I will have them use bacitracin ointment to the areas that have separation or scabbing, and will check the patient regularly (every 7-10 days or so) to monitor progress. Infection is uncommon but you should be mindful of any symptoms of redness, warmth, purulent drainage (pus) or increasing swelling. Most of these minor delayed healing issues will resolve with simple wound care and an extra couple of weeks of healing, with little to no difference in the width or thickness of the final scar.

Daniel Zeichner, MD · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
Breast reduction involves undermining of tissues, partially stripping away the blood supply. The location of the incisions is designed to minimize this phenomenon, but wound healing delay still occurs on occasion. Once a delay occurs, the incision site may spread apart somewhat, making it appear larger. 
Although it appears "scary", these delays usually ultimately heal quite satisfactorily with a regimen of frequent local wound care. The delay appears quite limited in your case.
I recommend close followup with your surgeon to monitor your healing.
Best wishes!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

You are best to see your surgeon regarding wound healing issues. Often local wound care can treat these small areas of separation.

Breast reduction wound healing: it seems to be getting worse. (Photos)

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