I have a white matter showing on my incision after breast reduction surgery. (photos)

Question

I am almost three weeks post op. I had a breast reduction and lift. I have had a slight yellow drainage from both breasts. Mostly from the horizontal incision. Last week I started seeing openings with a white matter inside. My breasts feel very tight and full. I am also getting an electric shock like feeling in my nipples. My doctors triage nurse said this is all normal. I am scared because it seems it's getting worse. I feel like I'm going to have a horrific scars. Is this normal?

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.

I perform a liposuction breast lift that removes tissue from the areas you don't want such as near the armpit and the lower portion hanging near your stomach. Once I use this to shape the breast I then remove the skin to tighten the breast and create a better shape with nice cleavage. Since I perform this less invasively the recovery time is faster. The size would depend on the proportion with your body versus going for a cup size. It works very well if there are asymmetries. I can also use the removed fat as a natural breast augmentation by grafting the fat back into the breast to create more projection or into the top to create more cleavage. This procedure can also be combined with an implant if needed or wanted.  It should not affect nipple sensation, mammograms, cancer risk or breast-feeding. In fact, most women have more sensation after the procedure. If you gain or lose weight, the transferred fat can do the same.Open wounds should be addressed by your doctor and need wound care.

The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.  Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic plastic surgery.

Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

#RealSelf100Surgeon

#RealSelfCORESurgeon

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

You have so me delayed wound healing with separation of some of your incisions.  Often local wound care alone will take care of this. Best to follow closely with your surgeon.

Larry Lickstein, MD · Answer

Sorry to hear that you are having concerns, Mecasale.  Your photographs demonstrate that you have had some breakdown along the incisions, and some of the skin and underlying tissue is compromised.  I would encourage you to follow up with your surgeon promptly for debridement of the compromised tissue and discussion of wound care.  This should be able to heal with dressing care, excellent nutrition, and measures to decrease the risk of infection.  You also want to make certain that blood supply to the wound margin is optimized, so avoidance of smoking (even second hand smoke) is critical.  Avoid cold compresses or ice packs, and make certain that you remain well hydrated.  For now your efforts should be directed to getting healed, and any scar concerns can be addressed in the future.  Best of luck!

I have a white matter showing on my incision after breast reduction surgery. (photos)

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I have a white matter showing on my incision after breast reduction surgery. (photos)

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