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.

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

Answers (7)

Answer: Prolonged healing

Answer: Prolonged healing

Answer: Breast lift wound.

Answer: Breast lift wound.

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Everything you need to know about Breast Lift

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

Answers (7)

Answer: Prolonged healing

Answer: Prolonged healing

Answer: Breast lift wound.

Answer: Breast lift wound.

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift

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