Is this an open wound and can I put a steri strip on it? (Photo)

Question

I got the tape taken off after my BR at 3wks post op. All was fine but my right side 'T' section; The nurse said she had just pulled off a small scab, stuck a steri strip on it & I'd be fine to remove it the next day. I asked if it would open further and she said no. I took the strip off this morning, and it looks like its an open wound, albeit a small one. Is this actually an open wound? & would I be ok to stick another steri strip on it until I see my PS at my scheduled appt in 5 days time?

S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS · Answer

What a great question.Thank you for your picture.  Very often, there is a great deal of tension at the "T" after a breast reduction and wounds tend to open up in this area.  There appears to be some redness around the potentially opening wound.  This redness often indicates the body's attempt to keep the wound together rather than an infection.Obviously, only your personal plastic surgeon will know what is going on and whether a Steri strip or some other form of intervention would be appropriate or inappropriate at this time.  I recommend you contact he or she now and don't wait until things have started to go worse.If you were my patient, I would keep the wound together with staples since staples have all their strength up in the horizontal upper portion, and unlike Steri strips, do not create a warm moist area where bacteria can grow.  Also Steri strips have very little strength.

Charles Nduka, MD · Answer

It seems to be healing normally and is best left uncovered when you are not wearing a bra to allow the scar to dry. Antibiotic cream may be applied to prevent an infection. However, it would be best to consult first with your surgeon as each one has his/her own protocols to follow.

Karen Quigley, MD · Answer

Yes you have a very tiny open wound. This is very common in the area of the T. I tell my patients to use some antibiotic ointment and a bandaid, partly to keep their bras from rubbing on the area and possibly introducing bacteria. You can certainly leave it open when you aren't wearing a bra. Should heal in a week or two. Also you are very dry in the surrounding area. I would suggest some vaseline to moisturize.

Is this an open wound and can I put a steri strip on it? (Photo)

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Is this an open wound and can I put a steri strip on it? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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