Wet to dry wound care on vertical incisions - 6 weeks post Breast Reduction and Saline implants removal, very discouraged.

Question

Wet to Dry wound care on Vertical incisions, 6 weeks post Breast Reduction and removal of Saline implants, very discouraged, usually a fast healer,,these wet to dry dressings are making me bleed, raw, looks like I got attacked by a bear, I feel like I am macerated I have posted previous pics. But I am so discouraged...my plastic surgeons keeps telling me..I will heal fine. but looking at my breasts,,,they are raw, suture lines sticking out..is this normal or a post op complication?? Very worried

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I'm sorry that you are discouraged.  It can be frustrating, but it takes time for the wounds to heal.  Discuss your wound care procedures with your surgeon to ensure you are caring for them properly.  If so, continue to follow your surgeon's advice and try to be patient.

Scott Thellman, MD · Answer

Sorry for your difficult post operative course and it's understandable why you're discouraged.  But these wounds will heal with good wound care and time.  While wet to dry dressings can be beneficial, especially in the early stages of wound healing when debridement is needed, you might talk to your surgeon about changing to a wound care regimen that would be easier and better tolerated.

Robert Whitfield, MD · Answer

These wounds do take time to heal.  Also the amount of selling dictates how quickly you can do something with the tissues again.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Be patient, the  wounds can take a while to heal and wet to dry is often the way to go to get it to clean up.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

LouLou,Sorry I missed your other posts including the photos.Wet to dry dressings are older than I am (and I am pretty old)!  They work very well to clean up th wound to allow healing (granulation tissue).  They also make the wound look terrible...."macerated",  Trust your Plastic Surgeon.  The wounds will start to close and the skin will grow over it.  It will take 6 - 12 months for final healing.  If the scars are not pleasant, you may have them revised at that time.Best wishes.Dr. T

Wet to dry wound care on vertical incisions - 6 weeks post Breast Reduction and Saline implants removal, very discouraged.

Answers (5)