Opening in scars 6 months after breast augmentation (Photo)

Question

I am almost 6 months post op. Things have been healing well and I have been wearing silicone scar tape religiously for months due to past scarring raising after a previous breast aug. When changing my tape I noticed a couple holes in my scar wounds. Why would this opening be happening? I change tape every few days, am I not changing it enough?

Jonathan Landon, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question! Based on the photos and your description is appears your surgical wound is dehiscing. There can be a number of factors that cause this including trauma post-op, poor wound closure technique by your surgeon, poor post-op care, disorders of collagen formation, etc. This is not an issue to be taken lightly, however. You need to contact your surgeon ASAP to inform them of this issue as you may need to be brought back to the OR and placed on antibiotics. Post-op infection in a dehisced wound is not uncommon, and combined with a foreign body, such as a breast implant, complicates the issue further. If you are not able to reach your surgeon, I highly recommend going to your nearest emergency room for a proper evaluation and work-up. Hope this helps!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear kbispo,
I understand your concern. Based on your photo, it looks like spitting sutures. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

It appears that you had a breast lift done at the same time  you had your breast augmentation done. The areas where your openings occurred are typical areas where knots are tied. These knots can sometimes become exposed or, because these areas are the point of maximal tension in repairing the skin, sometimes the tissue in these areas dies and leaves an opening.  I would check with your plastic surgeon to be sure there is not any retained foreign body and that they can follow these until they’re fully closed.  If these are kept clean, they will eventually heal. If you are unhappy with the appearance of the scar, it can be revised usually under locally anesthesia. Best wishes.

Tyler Frew, MD · Answer

Hi there,
I would recommended going back to you original surgeon and get evaluated. It is rare to have wound healing issues 6-months out and this should warrant a physical exam by the surgeon. After exam of the wounds and you breast overall they devise a treatment plan for you. 
In the meantime, make sure you aren't smoking or around those who do, up your protein intact to help with wound healing, and keep the wounds covered with antibiotic ointment and a band aid. Do not put the scar tape over the wounds. 
all the best

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The areas that opened in your scars may be related to suture abscesses.  If this is the case your surgeon is often able to address them in the office.  They tend to then heal well with minor home care.  Visit with your surgeon for an evaluation.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Leave the tapes off for now and do wound care at least twice daily. Please go see your surgeon and have cultures done.

Richard R. Orr, MD · Answer

You need to see your surgeon. This is most commonly due to a reaction or infection around a stitch. But with an open wound, I worry that infection could get in and around the implant, necessitating its removal. I would recommend you see them soon.

Opening in scars 6 months after breast augmentation (Photo)

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