Deep hole under incision and opening getting bigger, will this heal normally? (Photo)

Question

I'm 5 weeks PO breast lift no implants. Two weeks ago my left breast became red and swollen. PS said it was a seroma and put me on antibiotics. A couple days later I had a small opening under my breast that started draining. In the last two weeks the openings have continued to get bigger. My board cert PS is instructing me on wound care from another city. Wanting some additional reassurance that this will heal and even if it opens all the way it will still be ok. It's scaring me.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,You will need to be evaluated by a surgeon and have any necrotic tissue removed and fluid cavities drained. Home wound care and antibiotics are insufficient. Best of luck!

Christine Rodgers, MD · Answer

HI Reilly,You should be seeing your PS on a regular basis ( weekly at the very least) to get wound care with debridement of infected and dead tissue. Be VERY careful with your activities as you could still have a bigger breakdown with too much activity. Eventually the wound will heal, but you do not want to have a bigger breakdown as this will cause your recovery to be much longer.Good Luck,Cr, Christine Rodgers

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your picture and questions. These kind of healing problems can be common after a procedure like yours. The only thing you can do is be patient and do good local wound care. Sometimes the wounds will appear to get bigger as the problem reveals itself. It may take several weeks, but the wounds should eventually heal and leave you with a slightly worse scar in these areas but should hopefully not affect the overall outcome. Hope this helps!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Reillygirl,this is not that uncommon after breast lift surgery. This type of wounds should be kept clean, plastic surgeon should remove the necrotic (dead) tissue to promote healing and prevent infection. You should keep your wound clean, follow your surgeon's instructions and your wound should heal. Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Terrence Murphy, MD · Answer

Ocasionally the wound beneath the breast will break down like this. With regular trimming of any unhealthy tissue and topical wound care it generally will heal fine. Suturing it can lead to issues. Be sure to follow with your surgeon regularly.

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for the photos and sorry for your problem.  This wound will heal with appropriate management so see your surgeon or other wound care specialist Dr Corbin

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

You have some dead tissue visible in the wound and need very regular in person visits with your plastic surgeon to debride the wound which means to surgically clean it up. The tissues won't begin to heal until all non-viable tissues are removed and dressing changes instituted. The holes almost certainly connect under the skin bridges and the bridges might need to be opened for better wound care depending on what is found. Sometimes they can be packed with gauze underneath the bridges.The big problem is that you didn't have this done by one of the fine plastic surgeons in Salt Lake City who would be able to see and treat your wound several times a week in person. Most likely, nobody is going to want to take this on since they didn't do the surgery so it might be wise to go back where the surgery was done and plan to stay 3-4 weeks until serious progress in healing has occurred. Treated properly, this WILL HEAL in time (weeks to a few months) and might need a scar revision later, maybe not. Best wishes and sorry this has happened to you.

Deep hole under incision and opening getting bigger, will this heal normally? (Photo)

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