Looking for a second opinion. Open wound after breast lift with implants. Would I need a scar revision? (photo)

Question

I had a breastlift on 1/9. Nurse tells me that is normal for the wound to open on the t intersection. Should i worry about this opening. How long will it take to heal completely. Would i need a scar revision?

Deborah Sillins, MD · Answer

it is not uncommon to have areas of skin breakdown after breast lift and implants. Follow your surgeon advice. you most likely will not need a revision.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

This small area of dehiscence at the T junction should close on its own.  You may consider a revision to reduce your areolar diameter if needed after everything is healed.

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your pictures and questions. This is a very common occurrence after a full mastopexy with augmentation. You should follow your surgeon's advice on how to take care of the area so that it heals properly. It is doubtful that you will need any additional surgery but only time will tell.Hope this helps!Dallas R. Buchanan, MD, FACSOwner & Board-Certified Plastic SurgeonVIVIFY plastic surgery

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear malysq12,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

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

John Mancoll, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. At this point it looks like you’re healing well and is unclear as to whether or not you would need any future surgery. I would recommend that you not think too much about for at least six months and at that point if you’re unhappy with your scars have a conversation with your plastic surgeon with respect to revision. The but passed on what I’m seeing  in your pictures today you should heal beautifully.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

This opening is not "normal" but does happen, especially with large implants and tight closures. For now, keep the area clean and covered. Once healed, talk to your surgeon if you have concerns about the scar.

Matthew A. DelMauro, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question. (Keep in mind that an in-person consultation is necessary for the best advice.) I'm sorry to hear that you've had trouble after surgery. Wound healing issues are not uncommon. Local wound care is the treatment. Be patient, and follow up with your plastic surgeon. If you're unhappy with the appearance of your scar 6-12 months after surgery, a scar revision may be appropriate. Best of luck!
Matthew A. DelMauro, M.D.

Kim Taylor, FRACS · Answer

This is not an uncommon problem when you have a combination of a lift plus implants, as there is extra tension placed on the skin closure.  You wounds don't look infected and appear that they should heal without any long lasting problems.  Continue to take advice & follow up with your surgeon.  Only time will tell whether a revision is required, but I suspect that this will not need to be the case.  All the best

David A. Dreyfuss, MD · Answer

While wound problems are not uncommon with a combined breast lift/and augmentation, it is very rare that a surgical scar revision is necessary.  You look like you not only have some healing issues but some reaction to the suture material.  Make sure you have regular follow up with the Dr. and nurse to do the appropriate dressing and identify and specific problems.  Often, the small suture irritating the skin may need to be removed to assist with healing.  Try and be patient, but most likely it will heal and you will never be able to tell that there was an issue.

Looking for a second opinion. Open wound after breast lift with implants. Would I need a scar revision? (photo)

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