1 month post breast lift, was told to use calcium alginate on spitting stitches, but it's not looking any better?

Question

Had breast lift surgery about one month ago. Spit stitch around t line.  Dr. office cut stitch and now I have about a one inch hole. About one layer into my skin and still bleeds. Told to use calcium alginate on the wound but after one week it does not look my better. Clean with antibacterial soap and place the alginate on top with bandage. Burns when I clean it.  A month out of surgery and very worried. Any suggestions?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

T-junction healing issues are the most frequently reported healing issues following breast lift.   If the area is superficial without signs of infection, this will likely heal with local wound care without adverse consequence.

Jeffrey Rockmore, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is not uncommon to have a stitch spit or develop a small opening after this type of breast lift. The T junction of the scar is the area of greatest risk for this, as its vascularity is compromised.

	Fortunately, these wounds almost always heal well given some time. For the first week or two, it will seem like there isn't much happening. However, shortly the open area will begin to contract and you will see some progress. The resultant scar is usually quite good, and is often less than if anything was actively done to try to speed the process.

	Rest assured knowing that this can happen and will heal in most cases without any lasting issues.

	Hang in there,

	Jeff Rockmore

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear about the complication you have experienced;  unfortunately,  this type of complication does occur after breast lifting or breast reduction surgery. Most commonly, patients go on to heal over the course  of the following few weeks.  The important thing is to continue to follow-up closely with your plastic surgeon,  who will be in a much better position to advise you compared to online consultants.  You did not mention in your question whether breast implants were also used;  if so, the presence of an opening would be more concerning.

	Best wishes for an otherwise uneventful recovery.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

T-closure dehiscence is fairly common. If it is superficial, it will often close with local wound care. Be patient and follow closely with your doctor.

John Q. Cook, MD · Answer

With the classical inverted T breast lift, the area of greatest vulnerability is at the intersection of the horizontal and vertical incisions.  Sometimes openings will develop, such as you are currently experiencing.  These will heal over time with proper wound care, and it is often surprising how little scarring occurs.  Do maintain close followup with your surgeon.

1 month post breast lift, was told to use calcium alginate on spitting stitches, but it's not looking any better?

Answers (6)

Answer: T closure dehiscence

Answer: T closure dehiscence

Answer: Small opening at T junction after breast lift surgery

Answer: Small opening at T junction after breast lift surgery

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Everything you need to know about Breast Lift

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1 month post breast lift, was told to use calcium alginate on spitting stitches, but it's not looking any better?

Answers (6)

Answer: T closure dehiscence

Answer: T closure dehiscence

Answer: Small opening at T junction after breast lift surgery

Answer: Small opening at T junction after breast lift surgery

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.