Wound separation after breast anchor scar lift. (photos)

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

Depending on your procedure, those with incisions around the nipples, there is the potential to affect your areolae during the healing process. Most commonly, we prefer the lollipop or donut lift because of the shape, small scars and easier healing. The nipple-areola complex is repositioned higher, the excess skin is removed, and the breast is reshaped in a pleasing contour and in a more normal position.

All surgical procedures carry some degree of risk. Any breast operation can result in changes in sensation. This happens less with lifts than reductions but is still possible. Occasionally, minor complications occur and do not affect the surgical outcome. Major complications associated with this procedure are rare. The suitability of the breast lift procedure and specific risks may be determined during your consultation. 

#Hypertrophic or #keloid scars can be a problem.  The worst are usually under the breast with an #AnchorLift or inverted “T”.  These can be treated like all thickened scars with re-excision, laser, kenalog/5-FU injections, creams, silicone strips and other methods to reduce and improve healing.

If you are worried that your incisions or scars are not healing well, then it is a good idea to visit your surgeon for an examination of the area to determine how well the healing process is going.

Wound dehiscence, or opening up, may sometimes occur after breast lifts. Even though this complication is frustrating, it is normally managed just by wound care. Manuka honey ointments are one of the topical treatments that can be used, so it seems that you are being managed well. It is important to have regular followup with your surgeon and to notify him/her of any adverse changes if they occur.

Hi there and thanks for posting.Whilst I would not say that this is "normal" it certainly can happen and should not adversely affect your long term result.This is best managed by your treating surgeon. If you were my patient, I would want to see you at least weekly until things were healed which should only take a few of weeks. It would be important for example to know what type of sutures were used, and when they dissolve.It does not look like you have an infection, but closer examination is required to give an accurate picture and possibly a swab taken to make sure you are on the correct antibiotics.I usually use simple dressings in these situations but sometimes a dressing with silver impregnation can help if there is a suggestion of infection.Hopefully things will settle down quickly for you, these incidents are annoying but as I said rarely influence the long term result.Richard

Wound healing issues are common with breast lifts. As long as your plastic surgeon is seeing you regularly for care to make sure there is not an infection; the wound should heal on its own. Just follow doctors orders as they are given to you. 

Wound healing issues are common after breast surgery like this.  As long as someone is seeing you regularly and assuring that you no longer have infection, this should heal on its own. 

Thank you for your question. A small wound separation such as yours is not uncommon after anchor lifts or breast reductions which use the same pattern of incisions. It is important to be in close communication with your surgeon. Conservative wound care, keeping the wound clean and dressed and preventing infection will help the wound heal uneventfully typically within a few weeks. You should be in contact with your surgeon at least weekly until it is closed, not just to monitor the wound but for your own peace of mind. Best wishes,