My right breast opened up by the anchor incision: I am currently 17 days post-op. (Photos)

Question

I noticed it 5 days ago and my surgeon had me start applying aquacel however after 5 days it has gotten larger and there’s now a hole. I’m pretty scared at this point. He has asked me to come in on Saturday to fly in TJ for him to examine. He instead I needed to go, which is making me worry. Please advise

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi there and thanks for your question and photos.  As some of the other surgeons have said, the T incision of a breast lift is usually the last and most difficult part to heal due to the amount of tension on the area.  If you had an implant placed, there is an increased risk for implant exposure, which requires immediate attention. I would definitely recommend seeing your plastic surgeon for a follow up. Best of luck and feel better!

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

This is a common problem when you choose to go outside the country for surgery! I'm sorry to see this happen. You need to see your doctor as soon as possible or get a second doctor or wound care center to see you by your house.Good luck. Dr. ALDO

Christine Rodgers, MD · Answer

HI,   Did you have implants placed as well? If so, you may have an exposure of the implant which almost certainly will lead to infection and extrusion of the implant. You should definitely fly back to TJ ( wherever that is) to see your surgeon as soon as possible.Good Luck,Dr. Christine Rodgers

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your pictures and questions. Wound healing problems where the incisions come together is very common. It usually starts small and then gets worse as the depth of the wound is exposed. But once the dead tissue has been removed, the wound will start to heal and get smaller over time, resulting in a widened scar in that area.As for your other questions, I am assuming by "TJ" you mean Tijuana, Mexico? And I am hoping you did not travel there for surgery. I seem to see these types of things over and over and its really sad. Patients like you travel all over for surgery thinking they are going to get something special or a great deal and then they get back and run into problems and have no one to turn to and no one to help them through the post-op recovery process. If you had just done to a local board-certified plastic surgeon in your area, you would now have someone right there with you to usher and guide you through this process, and that help and care would have been included in the price. Now you are left scared with no one to turn to. In the end, you get what you pay for. Good luck!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear dynmilo,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

Steven Varkony, MD · Answer

Without an in-person examination, it’s impossible to see any
abnormalities. It’s important that you’re following your surgeon’s
post-operative care instructions to ensure the best results. However, we
recommend scheduling an appointment with your surgeon to further discuss your
concerns.

Tim Sayed, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Here is the critical question: do you have implants as well? If so, this healing issue becomes much more concerning as any opening could result in exposure of the implants which can lead to infection. If no implants, then this is usually a self-limiting process where your incision will heal, but just take longer than if the area had not opened up. The scar may be wider in that area and sometimes requires revision later on. You should make sure you get regular wound care on a weekly basis until healed.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

and if you do not have implants, time and good wound care will resolve this.  Its always best to have your surgeon examine you as your surgeons knows what was done and if were any intraoperative issues that may have contributed to this.  If you have implants, it becomes more concerning but again, your surgeon knows how well your implant are protected from exposure so best to see your surgeon.

Chad Robbins, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question and photo's.   It is a common area to have delayed wound healing , due to having the vertical and horizontal scars meet.  He or she just wants to check that there is no exposed implant if there was an implant as well.  It most likely is just a fat necrosis issue and not a deep wound, but it's better to see your PS for reassurance.

Christopher J. Inglefield, MBBS, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Hi There.  Thank you fo ryour question and photos.  You do not say if you had a #breast lift #breast reduction or #breast implants with a lift.  If you had any of the first 2 - there is no need to panic.  However, if you had a BA with uplift then there is a serious risk that the implant could become infected and would need to be removed.  Unfortuantely, this type of wound breakdown in the anchor scar is much too common due to poor technique resulting in too much tension at the T junction.  I have not had this problem in my patients for over 10 years!  If you do not have an implant, then just good wound care is all you need until this heals.  Once healing is complete you should wait 3 to 6 months before considering any type of scar revision.  Good luck.

My right breast opened up by the anchor incision: I am currently 17 days post-op. (Photos)

Answers (13)

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