Wound care with Silvadene looks strange after breast reduction. Is this normal?

Question

I had a breast reduction 3 1/2 weeks ago. About a week after surgery I started getting a wound under my breast where the inverted T met. My doctor gave me Silvadene. I have been using it for 2 1/2 weeks and it is better but the Silvadene has made an almost off white rubbery cover over the areas in some places. Is this normal? My doctor's nurses have given conflicting instructions, one saying use non stick gauze tokeep it moist and the other using regular gauze but it dries in.

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

I like Silvadene for a variety of wound care applications.  Just shower normally and let soap and water run over the area.  You should shower off the old silvadene before putting on the new dressing, but do not scrape the area.  Dry gauze is fine.  The gauze is just to keep the silvadene in place and keep it off your clothing.

Hampton A. Howell, MD · Answer

If someone has a wound healing problem following a breast reduction, it is often at this "T" junction where you describe.  Silvadene is a commonly used antibacterial cream that can be used to treat a wound such as yours.  If Silvadene is not cleaned off of the wound well, it can build up and look similar to what you describe.  I would recommend talking with your surgeon about recommendations on how he/she would advise you to cleanse the wound.  You may also inquire about enzymatic debriding agents, such as Santyl or similar, depending on how your wound is coming along.Take care.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on having undergone the breast reduction procedure. Unfortunately, the types of open wounds that you describe can occur occasionally after this operation and breast lifting operations. Fortunately, the majority of these wounds go on to heal without long-term sequelae;  a variety of different types of wound management regimens can be successful. In my practice, I ask patients to use a nonstick dressing over clean wounds to prevent gauze from sticking to the wounds.    Occasionally, the direct application of gauze, as in a wet to dry dressing, may be helpful if the dressing changes are meant to help with gentle “debridement”. Always best to run these types of questions/concerns directly by your plastic surgeon for clarification. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be pleased with long-term.

Norman M. Rowe, MD · Answer

The use of silvadene to help a wound heal is a technique use for wounds anywhere on the body. Silvadene is used to decrease the possibility of the open wound from becoming infected. Whether a standard gauze of a non-stick gauze is used is up to you, I usually give patients non-stick gauze as that causes less discomfort when dressing changes are done.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Silvadene ia an antibiotic cream that is sometimes used for open wounds or burns, but it does form a "glaze" sometimes on wounds. This usually goes away as things heal. Best to follow your surgeon's instructions.

Wound care with Silvadene looks strange after breast reduction. Is this normal?

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Wound care with Silvadene looks strange after breast reduction. Is this normal?

Answers (7)

Answer: Silvadene use after a breast reduction with an inverted "T" scar

Answer: Silvadene use after a breast reduction with an inverted "T" scar

Answer: Silvadene and wound

Answer: Silvadene and wound

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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