Small hole open 4.5 weeks post BLBA? (Photos)

Question

My recovery from BL BA has been unremarkable. Incisions look good - had one spitting stitch a week ago but otherwise fine. Today I notice a hole that is a tad [RS bleep] under on breast in the verticals incision. My doctor blew me off as it was evening and 'not an emergency ' but a hole opening in my body is an emergency to me. He said neosporin twice a day but didn't want to see me - is this normal??

Matthew H. Steele, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photo.   You appear to have a small area of slow healing that appears clean and healthy.  This happens from time to time, usually from a small suture underneath that becomes inflamed. This will generally heal well with local wound care using vaseline or a topical antibiotic ointment.  I understand that this can be concerning, but I would not worry that it is an emergency.  Best to follow up with your doctor at the next available visit so they can examine you and instruct you on proper wound care.  Good luck.

Marco Carmona, MD · Answer

Hi. Thank you for your question. In my experience this kind of problems happen some times caused by a reaction at some point and it`s nothing to worry about. It is very important that you keep it clean and consult with your plastic surgeon for follow up.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

HEALING AFTER BREAST
SURGERY, AUGMENTATION, LIFTS

1.   
pain is variable

2.   
it takes 2-3 months for implants to settle and muscles to relax

3.   
celebrex, motrin, and muscle relaxers can help

4.   
massage and stretching may help

5.   
everyone heals differently

6.   
4-7 days off from work is common

HEALING OF SENSORY NERVES: Tingling, burning or shooting pains, which will disappear
with time and should not alarm you, indicate regeneration of the sensory
nerves. If these sensations cause pain, repeated, local self-massage helps.

ASYMMETRY: The two breasts commonly heal quite differently. One
breast may swell more, feel more uncomfortable, or have a different initial
shape. After complete healing, they will be more similar and natural. You must
have patience, but if this causes concern, ask questions of the doctor or the
nursing staff.

SHAPE AND CONTOUR: The final shape of your breasts will start to look its
best approximately three (3) months after surgery. It takes time for the skin
and muscle to stretch and relax around the new implant. The breast will often
look higher, firmer, and “less natural” in the first three (3) months. It can
take up to a year to see your final result.

FOLLOW-UP EXAMS: These are generally done in 1 week, 2 to 3
weeks, 3 to 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months to 1 year, and 1-2 year intervals. In
our office we include all of your follow up appointments in the initial
surgical fee.

While the incisions and scars need to be cared for with caution, an opening that has occurred deserves the attention of your plastic surgeon. It would be best to contact for an immediate visit to have the incision examined and make sure that healing is going well or if something needs to be corrected. Good luck.

Kenneth A. Godwin, DO · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question and photos. The small wound may be a small suture abscess or spitting stitch which is quite common. Based on your photos, there doesn't appear to be any signs of surrounding infection. The best thing to do is to make an appointment with your plastic surgeon to have it evaluated. Continue to place antibiotic ointment on the area in the mean time. I hope this has helped you and best of luck with your recovery.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It looks like a stitch abscess reaction based upon the photos but wouldn't be a 100% sure without an exam.. Definitely make an appointment to see your surgeon to be sure.

Small hole open 4.5 weeks post BLBA? (Photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Wound After Breast Augmentation

Answer: Wound After Breast Augmentation

Answer: Stitch abscess

Answer: Stitch abscess

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift with Implants

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

Small hole open 4.5 weeks post BLBA? (Photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Wound After Breast Augmentation

Answer: Wound After Breast Augmentation

Answer: Stitch abscess

Answer: Stitch abscess

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift with Implants

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