I had a breast lift and my stitches opened up in many places. Is this normal? (photos)

Question

I want a second opinion my dr said they’ll heal on their own. this just doesn’t seem right I feel like I’m going to scar horribly if he doesn’t close them up again

S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS · Answer

While it is not unusual to have nipple areola/skin separation after a standard mastopexy, and it's not necessarily true that the closure of this wound may lead to an infection.If you were my patient (and yes I have had such wound separations just like all plastic surgeons), I would numb the area around the skin separation and put a few well placed staples to approximate the wound edges.  The beauty of staples is that they don't strangulate the tissue leading to unwanted scarring, they don't close the wound entirely engendering an infection, but they do take the tension off the suture line letting it heal by secondary intention with minimal to no scarring.My old boss used to say, fibroblasts make better tightrope walkers than they do broad jumpers which means when the staples bring the edges of the wound together, the fibroblasts (wound healing cells) can heal the wound faster and with less scarring than when the wound edges are apart.

Jeff Angobaldo, MD · Answer

Hi there, thank you for the photos and your question. Spitting sutures (sutures trying to come through the skin) is very common after surgery. This is totally acceptable. The most important thing is to keep them clean and continue to follow your surgeons wound care instructions.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

This is not uncommon after surgery; just keep them dry and they will heal on their own.  Continue to follow up with your PS.

Francis Johns, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.This is not uncommon when it comes to breast lifts or reduction. There is a significant amount of tension on the skin after it is tightened. I would continue to follow the care instructions from you surgeon. These openings tend to heal very well.

Anoush Hadaegh, MD · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for your question. I can see what you concern about. It is not unusual to have a wound break down after breast lift. With proper hygiene and local wound care the area heals quickly. I recommend to follow closely with your plastic surgeon. Good Luck!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Awesome2006,
this type of wound can occur after breast lift. It is usually caused by spitting sutures and 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

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

It is safer to let them heal and come back and revise the scars if needed. Otherwise, if closed now, your wounds will probably reopen due to infection.  Please follow your surgeon's advice.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

BUT it also is very common after procedure such as yours.  Attempting to close them right now is doomed to failure and will result in an infection and more tissue destruction.  Your surgeon is looking out for your best interests and though not ideal, you will heal with TLC and your scars will be better than you could imagine.

Louis DeLuca, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and accompanying photos.  Your concern is valid and your doctor appears to have reassured you that the wounds will heal on their own.  Small areas of breakdown such as those you are experiencing are not uncommon.  Your doctor is correct in that these wounds should heal without any treatment necessary.  Once they have healed, you and your doctor can assess the scars and decide whether or not any revision of the scars would be necessary.  Most often if any revision is necessary, it is a small procedure that can often be done with local anesthesia.  Best of luck!!!

Millicent Odunze Geers, MD, MPH · Answer

Partial openings are not uncommon with breast lift/reduction surgery. The openings you have appear small and are not gaping. With good hygiene and close attention, should heal well. Use silicone-based scar gel when directed to do so by your plastic surgeon. Delayed closure like you’re asking for can lead to infection. This is not the first time your surgeon has seen this. Trust his knowledge from four years of medical school, 5+ years of residency and fellowship, and years of patient experience.  We plastic surgeons are trained in Wound Care as well. Dr. Google is not an acceptable substitute.

I had a breast lift and my stitches opened up in many places. Is this normal? (photos)

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Answers (11)

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