Should I be concerned with my incision opening? (photo)

Question

I am 5 1/2 weeks post op after a Breast lift and implants, with dissolvable stitches. I noticed a day ago I have a “wound” like opening on one of my Incision lines. No swelling, or pain. Does this look like a concern or can I care for this wound myself with bandages and polysporin?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear sadie133,this type of wound is not uncommon after breast lift. It is usually caused by poor blood flow or suture spitting. 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

Christian A. Prada, MD, FACS · Answer

This is not uncommon to find after breast lift and augmentation surgeries. I would see your PS to make sure you do not have a suture that needs to be removed. This will otherwise prevent your incisions from healing.  Oral antibiotics are also helpful to aid in healing.  Over time these usually scar fairly well, but if they do not, a scar revision would help.

Dhaval M. Patel, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photo! It seems you could be having a possible suture spit.  I suggest you call your plastic surgeon and make sure you are following all post op! Best of luck!Dhaval Patel
Double Board Certified 
Plastic Surgeon
Chicago 
Hoffman Estates
Orland Park 
Oak Brook

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

Judging by the photos the wound appears superficial and likely the result of a spitting suture.  I would follow up with your surgeon and follow the recommendations of your plastic surgeon.It may take a few weeks to a month or so before the area heals, so you have to be patient and care for it until the wound closes.  I would say it would be likely that everything will heal without any major issues.Hope that helps.

Richard Rosenblum, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions and your photo. You are still healing so you should continue to follow your plastic surgeon's post operative instructions carefully and address any questions in your healing with them. Good Luck.

Daniel Brown, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thanks for your post and photos.  This is most likely simply an absorbable suture surfacing causing a small wound and is not concerning and occurs frequently with this procedure in this location.  The treatment that you describe should work well to resolve the wound reasonably quickly.  If you can see/feel a suture within the wound, try gently pulling it out of the wound - this will allow it to heal faster.  If the suture does not come out easily, leave it in place.  If you continue to have concerns or the wound gets red, painful, or begins to have discharge please contact your surgeon immediately, though this should not be necessary. I hope this helps.Best wishes!Daniel Brown, MD, FACSBoard Certified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic SurgeonsMember, American Society of  Plastic SurgeonsCastle Connolly Top DocReal Self Top 500

Lynn D. Derby, MD (retired) · Answer

From your photo, it looks like one of your skin sutures did not dissolve, worked its way to the surface, and extruded.  I cannot rule it out without an in-person examination, but I do not see any sign of a more serious problem in the photo.  You should call your plastic surgeon's office and let them know about it.  Your surgeon might want to see you to make sure the suture is gone for more rapid healing.

Should I be concerned with my incision opening? (photo)

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