9 weeks post breast reduction and feeling very frustrated. How long does it take for tunnelling wounds to heal?

Question

I am 9 weeks post op from breast reduction surgery. I currently have 9 open wounds along my t-line. Two of them that have tunneling. I see a wound nurse morning to clean out and repack the wounds because the pain is so bad I can't do it myself. My question is approximately how long is the healing process? Will this all be over in a month, 2 months or longer?

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

The "T" junction is notorious for wound breakdown.  The wound healing time varies from person to person. 2-3 months is a good estimate of healing time from the initial wound. Please continue to see your plastic surgeon.

John D. Smoot, MD · Answer

This is a problem when sutures get infected or you react to the sutures.  It will take time and possible removal of the suture material.  I would see your surgeon as soon as possible.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

from such wounds takes time.  And the speed at which it happens depends on several factors.  If you smoke, you must stop.  If you have debris (yellowish tissue) in the depths of the wound, it needs to be removed by your surgeon.  If your wound is very deep, it will take longer to heal.  If you take steroids, it will delay your healing as well.  Everyone heals at their own pace but you must maximize your healing environment to heal as fast as possible.

9 weeks post breast reduction and feeling very frustrated. How long does it take for tunnelling wounds to heal?

Answers (3)