Incision issue 9 weeks post op. I wanted to know what I can do to help this heal completely? (photo)

Question

I had a breast lift 9 weeks ago . It was healing well until I started working out again ( at about 6 weeks post op ). I think sweating under my breast is irritating the incision . It is under the breast fold only on my left breast ( which is my larger breast ). The right breast incision is fine . I wanted to know what I can do to help this heal completely?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear crystal351982,
for scars, I close all of my incisions in 5 layers and do not use absorbable sutures because they cause inflammation and worse scarring. I tape all of my incisions in the office visits once a week for six weeks after surgery to improve the appearance. After taping, I start my patients on a scar gel therapy for 3 months that they have to put on their incisions twice daily.You should discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon as different surgeons have different approaches in scar management.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Plastic surgery scars require attention after surgery so that they remain cosmetically-appealing and barely noticeable. In our office, we use a protocol for scars that minimizes their activity in the 6-8 weeks after surgery. If you have late plastic surgery scars, you may also require laser and RF therapy to help reduce the longterm effects of the scarring. Keloids, hypertrophic scars, widened scars, red scars, and hyperpigmented scars all require scar modulation with topical creams followed by lasers and RF therapy. Topical skincare should be directed to a specific need, whether for pigmentation or hypertrophy and our office can guide you through the process to obtain the correct Plato’s Scar cream or Melarase cream for hypertrophy and discoloration. In terms of lasers, we would employ the vbeam laser for redness, Venus Viva RF, PRP microneedling, chemical peels, and Morpheus 8, fractional erbium, or fractional co2. All of these have their individual benefits. Most of all, we recommend you visit a solid plastic surgeon who understands surgical scar revision, laser therapy, and RF therapy for scars. 
 
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello Crystal,Great question. Thank you for your picture. I will suggest contacting your surgeon for follow up instructions. If its caused by sweating, I will suggest holding off from your workouts. Good luck with your recovery.

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry,  I would prefer dry gauze at this juncture to wick away moisture and acclerate healing-but please discuss with your surgeon. Good Luck.

Fernando Colon, MD · Answer

It is not unusual that one side heals better than the otherbut eventually they often catch up. Complete scar healingcan take 6-12 months. In terms of specific wound care Isuggest you to be evaluated by your doctor. The photosare not enough to make a diagnosis. In the meanwhilekeep the scars clean and follow your doctor instructions.Best wishes.

Incision issue 9 weeks post op. I wanted to know what I can do to help this heal completely? (photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Incision not healing

Answer: Incision not healing

Answer: Wound care 9 weeks post op

Answer: Wound care 9 weeks post op

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Incision issue 9 weeks post op. I wanted to know what I can do to help this heal completely? (photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Incision not healing

Answer: Incision not healing

Answer: Wound care 9 weeks post op

Answer: Wound care 9 weeks post op

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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.