6 week post op Breast Lift, the scab came off and now I have an open wound. Should I close the wound or wait it to heal? (photo)

Question

My breast developed a blister after surgery. Then a blister scab. The scab came off 3 weeks later. Now I have this large open wound. I am frustrated. I dont know whether to do surgery now to close the wound or let it heal on its on.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Thank you for your pictures. Unfortunately you will not be able to close this at this point. The best solution to your issue would be allowing the wounds to heal on their own. Once healed and the scar has matured you can seek recommendations on a revision.Earl Stephenson Jr M.D. DDS FACS

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

Sorry to read about the post op problems you have encountered. The photos are a bit difficult to orient, especially the one that is marked up. Hopefully your surgeon is seeing you regularly and advising on wound care. Any foreign bodies (suture material that is visible in the wound) and non-viable tissue should be trimmed by your surgeon. As a rule, attempts at closure of this type of wound usually fail, setting back the time course of healing. Allowing these to heal by "secondary intention" (without surgery) is best.Good luck.

Neil Gottlieb, MD · Answer

I will disagree with some of my colleagues when I say that this is not entirely unusual.  My partner and I perform more than 100 breast reductions each year.  The most risk is associated with cigarette smokers and diabetes.  Also, the massive breast presents some healing difficulty as well.  While I don't want to inform you that this is "normal", it is still feasible that you will have good healing if you do proper wound care.  Good Luck

C. Bob Basu, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Thank you posting your photos.  I'm sorry you are experiencing a healing challenge.   I would concur with my colleagues that it is important for you to follow up with your plastic surgeon for wound management.    It is not advised to try to close these wounds right now as the wound edges are likely inflammed.  Any attempt to close ("stitch") the edges will fall apart.   Rather, targeted wound care will help these areas heal.  Please make sure you stay away form cigarettes including 2nd hand smoke to optimize your healing potential.   The good news, although it will take time to heal, this too shall pass.  In the future, you may be a candidate for a scar revision procedure.  Best wishes.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

I hope you are seeing your surgeon at least twice a week for aggressive wound care. No re closure is not the correct option. Allow healing by secondary intention than 6 months later after scar maturation a revision...

6 week post op Breast Lift, the scab came off and now I have an open wound. Should I close the wound or wait it to heal? (photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Delayed healing

Answer: Delayed healing

Answer: 6 week post op Breast Lift, the scab came off and now I have an open wound. Should I close the wound or wait it to heal?

Answer: 6 week post op Breast Lift, the scab came off and now I have an open wound. Should I close the wound or wait it to heal?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Lift

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6 week post op Breast Lift, the scab came off and now I have an open wound. Should I close the wound or wait it to heal? (photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Delayed healing

Answer: Delayed healing

Answer: 6 week post op Breast Lift, the scab came off and now I have an open wound. Should I close the wound or wait it to heal?

Answer: 6 week post op Breast Lift, the scab came off and now I have an open wound. Should I close the wound or wait it to heal?

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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.