Wound open after gyno

Question

Just had gyno surgery. On the left nipple one of the stitches was accidentally pulled out by the nurse She put tape over it which was removed on Day 3 and I was given pads to place over the nipple under the compression top. I noticed at Day 4 the wound was open and there was some brown discharge on the pads. That appears to of now stopped but the wound appears to be white inside. Will it close up ok on its own and will this effect the final scar? Also how long after surgery do I need to use dressings for?

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and I am sorry to hear of your recovery issues.  Your surgeon is allowing your wound to heal from the inside-out.  A process we call secondary intention healing.  If the separation is small this will likely heal with a good cosmetic outcome and over the course of several weeks.  Voice your concerns to your surgeon, they are your best source of reassurance.

Sean Doherty, MD, FACS · Answer

Assuming that the separation is narrow (which is sounds as if it is), all should be fine. However, if the area becomes red or hot to the touch, contact your surgeon immediately. Best of luck --

Anup Dhir, MD · Answer

Hello. It is difficult to comment on the wound without a photograph or examining the wound. I would advise you see your surgeon.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

Your surgeon is allowing your wound to heal from the inside- out.  If the final result leaves you with a scar you are unhappy with, scar revision can be easily done in an office setting.  Follow up with your surgeon for scar management after you are healed.

David E. Berman, MD (retired) · Answer

this minor degree of separation should heal with no problems with just good local wound care. Try not to worry and forget about it. In 6-12 months time, if not much sooner, the slightly wider scar will narrow and the two sides will look the same.david berman md

Wound open after gyno

Answers (5)