7 Weeks post op, open incisions, wound dressing help - Will switching from aquaphor dressings to dry non-stick pads help?

Question

Yesterday, my surgeon advised me to switch from aquaphor dressings, to dry non-stick pads. I always heard to heal a wound, it needs a moist environment. Can someone explain what a dry dressing will do? Will it scab up? Will my scars end up being the size of the current openings? I have an appt in 8 days with a wound clinic. Would you suggest I keep that appointment or will this heal on it's own? Dr. says openings are due to history of smoking and being exposed to 2nd hand smoke.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Jendilo59,this type of wound is not uncommon after breast lift. It is usually caused by poor blood flow. I would suggest you to consult your plastic surgeon, follow your surgeon's instructions and keep your wound clean and covered. It can take few weeks or months for wound to fully heal. Daniel Barrett, MD

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

James H. Rogers, MD · Answer

Your wounds appear to be clean and in a healing phase with your current wound care. I always encourage patients to follow their surgeons wound care instructions for best results. Your surgeon is correct in that a history of smoking and exposure to second hand smoke could have contributed to your wound breakdown by diminishing the blood supply to the skin. As your wounds heal, they will shrink, diminishing the size of the scars, however you will probably require surgical revision. Most surgeons agree that a moist wound environment is conducive to wound healing.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs and I am sorry to see the degree of skin loss you suffered.  Fortunately your wounds appear to have cleaned up well and only demonstrate the red tissue of healing from the inside-out.  Each surgeon has their own protocol on wound care advice and I would recommend following yours until completely healed over the next weeks to months.  This will heal and may have been due to smoking history (depending on timing) as well as a number of other factors such as implant size and degree of skin removal.  Hope this helps.

L. Dwight Baker, MD (retired) · Answer

Follow your plastic surgeon's recommendations.  Frequent follow up with your PS and her/his recommendations for wound care management will serve you best in the long run.  This definitely looks like wounds associated with smoking and/or second hand (and now reported third-hand smoking effects).  Please be patient with your wounds.  Best wishes to you.

7 Weeks post op, open incisions, wound dressing help - Will switching from aquaphor dressings to dry non-stick pads help?

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Answer: 7 Weeks postop-open wounds

Answer: 7 Weeks postop-open wounds

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7 Weeks post op, open incisions, wound dressing help - Will switching from aquaphor dressings to dry non-stick pads help?

Answers (4)

Answer: 7 Weeks postop-open wounds

Answer: 7 Weeks postop-open wounds

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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