Had my 5-week update with surgeon. Both my breasts have split along vertical scar that runs from below breast to nipple. Surgeon said 50% of surgeries result in these splits and said to use neosporin and keep them covered with gauze bandage. I'm wondering if there is something that I can use to speed up the closing of the skin along the scar? I have a golfing vacation scheduled in 3 weeks and want to be sure that I can swing a club.
Answer: Late wound separation may be due to nutritional deficiency
Wound separation can happen late, but the most common causes are late infection and diet. In my experience, women are frequently dieting, or at least watching what they eat. Young mothers often go weeks without sitting down for a proper meal, eating their kids' leftovers instead. While these eating patterns may be fine to sustain an unijured, healthy body, nutritional requirements go way up when healing a surgical wound. I generally have my patients eat 2 eggs and 2 pieces of citrus fruit for a time after surgery to make sure they are getting enough animal protein and extra vitamin C to heal that surgical site. I cannot make wound care advice without seeing you, but make sure infection is not a cause of the delayed healing and eat well.
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CONTACT NOW Answer: Late wound separation may be due to nutritional deficiency
Wound separation can happen late, but the most common causes are late infection and diet. In my experience, women are frequently dieting, or at least watching what they eat. Young mothers often go weeks without sitting down for a proper meal, eating their kids' leftovers instead. While these eating patterns may be fine to sustain an unijured, healthy body, nutritional requirements go way up when healing a surgical wound. I generally have my patients eat 2 eggs and 2 pieces of citrus fruit for a time after surgery to make sure they are getting enough animal protein and extra vitamin C to heal that surgical site. I cannot make wound care advice without seeing you, but make sure infection is not a cause of the delayed healing and eat well.
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CONTACT NOW Answer: Incision splitting 5 weeks after breast reduction Thank you for your question and for sharing your experience with us. You will find that every few days the wound will get smaller. Once the wound closes, it will go through a great deal of remodelling and in many cases become very acceptable in appearance. If there is a remaining indentation or widening of the scar that is unacceptable, then I would recommend waiting six months to year before undergoing any minor revision. It is important that you stay in touch with your surgeon throughout this process. I would also discuss your golf outing and possible activity restrictions.
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CONTACT NOW Answer: Incision splitting 5 weeks after breast reduction Thank you for your question and for sharing your experience with us. You will find that every few days the wound will get smaller. Once the wound closes, it will go through a great deal of remodelling and in many cases become very acceptable in appearance. If there is a remaining indentation or widening of the scar that is unacceptable, then I would recommend waiting six months to year before undergoing any minor revision. It is important that you stay in touch with your surgeon throughout this process. I would also discuss your golf outing and possible activity restrictions.
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August 25, 2017
Answer: Wound problems after breast reduction
One of the most common problems encountered after a breast reduction is a minor wound dehiscence or a delay in wound healing. These wounds infrequently require minor in office debridement, and usually heal within a few weeks with appropriate wound care. For my patients, I usually prefer to use a topical antibiotic ointment such as neosporin and non-adherent pads. These dressings are changed at least once a day, usually after the patient bathes. Another option is to use a hydrofiber such as Aquacel which can be changed every other or every third day. Any specific questions that you have about the state of your wounds and your planned activities should be discussed with your plastic surgeon.
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CONTACT NOW August 25, 2017
Answer: Wound problems after breast reduction
One of the most common problems encountered after a breast reduction is a minor wound dehiscence or a delay in wound healing. These wounds infrequently require minor in office debridement, and usually heal within a few weeks with appropriate wound care. For my patients, I usually prefer to use a topical antibiotic ointment such as neosporin and non-adherent pads. These dressings are changed at least once a day, usually after the patient bathes. Another option is to use a hydrofiber such as Aquacel which can be changed every other or every third day. Any specific questions that you have about the state of your wounds and your planned activities should be discussed with your plastic surgeon.
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November 7, 2011
Answer: Scars Splitting After Breast Reduction Surgery, What Can I Do to Speed Up Closing/Healing Process?
Consider LED light therapy, oxygen therapy, and good wound care. You might need to consider a vacation change of plans. Sorry.
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Answer: Scars Splitting After Breast Reduction Surgery, What Can I Do to Speed Up Closing/Healing Process?
Consider LED light therapy, oxygen therapy, and good wound care. You might need to consider a vacation change of plans. Sorry.
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November 6, 2011
Answer: Wound healing issues after breast reduction are uncommon
'Splitting scars' after breast reduction is an uncommon problem - 50% rate is very high. It sounds like you've developed wound healing delay along both vertical scars. This problem generally heals without surgical intervention. Some patients need a scar revision procedure to deal with widened scars in this situation. Keep the wounds clean and moist and follow up closely with your surgeon.
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Answer: Wound healing issues after breast reduction are uncommon
'Splitting scars' after breast reduction is an uncommon problem - 50% rate is very high. It sounds like you've developed wound healing delay along both vertical scars. This problem generally heals without surgical intervention. Some patients need a scar revision procedure to deal with widened scars in this situation. Keep the wounds clean and moist and follow up closely with your surgeon.
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