Necrosis after a brown recluse bite on the breast close to the sternum. The bite occurred about a year ago and left a hole.

Question

My sister is 57 and has been an alcoholic for 20 years. This bite left a hole the size of small pea. It has been infected, off and on, all this time. She had a breast implant (saline) that leaked out of that hole in a gel form. The hole would close over with a yellow white thin "scab." Now, there is a completely blackened area the size of 3 quarters laid side by side just barely under the 1st layer of skin coming from that hole and going under and around that breast for about 3 inches. Help.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,This definitely must be assessed in person by a board certified Plastic Surgeon. We cannot give thorough/accurate advise for complex wounds online.All the best

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Hello, this type of problem can not be managed based on a description.  I would recommend in-person medical attention to treat this non healing wound.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Brown recluse bites can be significant and need to be treated quickly and appropriately.  Have her see an ASPS board certified plastic surgeon in consultation for wound care and possible reconstruction.  Best wishes to her

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.

Your sister needs to be examined by a board certified plastic surgeon.  I would recommend that you go to The American Society of Plastic Surgery website and look for a list of board certified plastic surgeons in your area and schedule some consultations for her.

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 and restorative breast surgery.

Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Steven M. Camp, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  You sister needs professional consultation and advice by a board certified plastic surgeon.  Check out the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons website for this local information. Best, Steven Camp MD#HappyCamperMD

Paul J. Leahy, MD · Answer

She needs to be seen by a plastic surgeon ASAP. This will likely require surgery to have any healing here. There are many factors, too many to discuss on this forum. Please be sure that she gets in. Best wishes.

BREAST IMPLANTS PROVIDERS NEAR YOU

Necrosis after a brown recluse bite on the breast close to the sternum. The bite occurred about a year ago and left a hole.

Answers (6)

BREAST IMPLANTS PROVIDERS NEAR YOU