BR: Wound separation at T junction, 2 weeks post-op. Advice? (photos)

Question

I noticed some small wound separation at the T junctions of both breasts, the right more than the left. I am putting bacitracin on the area per instructions before I noticed separation. I’ve seen much worse pictures of separation on here so I am wondering if my separation is bad enough that I should make an appointment with my plastic surgeon to have it looked at it soon, instead of waiting for my six week post-op appointment which is already scheduled.

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Hello, thank you for your recent question.  At this point it is not uncommon to have wound separation at this area.  You could have a suture that is not dissolving which is causing this to separate more.  I would just make sure you bring it to your surgeons attention and prior to your 7 week post op.  Best of luck!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon to have a small wound separation in  this area, just keep the area dry and coveredcontinue to follow up with your PS.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on having undergone the breast reduction procedure. Although understandably distressing to patients, these types of incision line healing problems tend to heal over the course of several weeks. Sometimes, the area may look worse before it looks better. Most often, even larger open wounds have healed by the time a patient reached the two months post op mark.
These wounds go on to heal through a process of contraction where the tissues heal from the sides towards the center of the wound; occasionally, removal of unhealthy tissue (debridement) and/or removal of exposed sutures, may expedite the healing process. Close followup with your plastic surgeon will be important; treatment regimens will vary from one practice to another.  Close attention to good nutrition, including a good protein source, is important. Obviously, avoidance of any type of nicotine product is also important.
 
Best wishes; despite the incision line healing problem it is most likely that you will be pleased with the longer-term outcome of the procedure.

Erik Miles, MD, FACS · Answer

It is not uncommon to have some minor wound separation at the intersection of the incisions. This is the area where the blood flow is the least and the skin tension is the greatest.  These wounds typically heal fine with only minor wound care. Occasionally debridement of absorbable suture material is necessary for it to progress to complete healing.  Keep your surgeon informed and follow his or her guidance. Best wishes!

Kim Taylor, FRACS · Answer

Yes this is reasonably common, but you should definitely see your surgeon sooner than the 6 weeks.  Most surgeons would prefer to know about problems & help with dressings & advice to get you through.  All the best

BR: Wound separation at T junction, 2 weeks post-op. Advice? (photos)

Answers (9)

Answer: Wound separation

Answer: Wound separation

Answer: T junction separation

Answer: T junction separation

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BR: Wound separation at T junction, 2 weeks post-op. Advice? (photos)

Answers (9)

Answer: Wound separation

Answer: Wound separation

Answer: T junction separation

Answer: T junction separation

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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.