Split incision at T line after breast reduction. Does this look normal? How long can it take to heal? (Photo)

This area is the farthest from your blood supply, and is a common area for superficial small breakdowns like yours, or more major ones such as seen in some smokers who refuse to quit (nicotine is a potent vasoconstrictor that can lead to inadequate circulation, dead skin, and this type (or larger) of a problem).Your surgeon is doing all of the things that are appropriate. Don't be afraid to scrub this area in the shower--remember, healthy tissue bleeds (and heals), whereas fibrin, scabs, and crusts only harbor bacteria that can slow your recovery. Ask your surgeon if s/he is OK with soft bristle toothbrush scrubbing of this wound--at 5 weeks the rest of your breast incisions are durable and will not split open more unless this wound remains bacterially contaminated. This is unlikely with wound scrubbing (gently, even if there is a tiny bit of bleeding, this is OK), topical antibiotic ointment, and oral antibiotics.In my opinion antibiotics may actually be less important than the wound scrubbing! Keep that yellow rim around the edge from allowing the wound edges to enlarge--this is where the bacteria like to hide in the warm, wet, dead scabby or fibrin layer, and why it is so vital to keep it scrubbed off to a healthy bleeding base. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

It is not uncommon for this to occur in the area called the T-zone (because of the upside down "T" scar there). It will heal over the next few weeks as there appears to be a healthy bed of tissue in the wound. Once it is all healed, a scar revision can be done if needed, although most of the time it is not very viable because it shrinks and of the location. It sounds like your surgeon is treating you appropriately and follow your their advice. Best of luck.

Congratulations on having undergone the breast reduction procedure.  Unfortunately, as you mentioned these types of delayed healing problems are not uncommonly encountered, especially at the "T junctions" (related to blood supply and tension concerns). These wounds go on to heal through a process of contraction where the tissues heal from the sides towards the center of the wound; this process usually takes several weeks to occur, depending on the size of the wound. Occasionally, removal of unhealthy tissue (debridement) and/or removal of exposed sutures, may expedite the healing process.   Usually, these types of wounds are healed by the time the patient reaches the 2 month post op mark.
 
Best wishes;  despite the separation/wound it is most likely that you will be pleased with the longer-term outcome of the procedure.

Unfortunately your incision opened up a little bit and I am sorry to hear/see that.  Good news is that by keeping it clean and dry it will heal on its own over the next couple weeks.  You should be seeing your surgeon weekly to make sure your healing process is going well.  Good Luck

The small opening you demonstrate in the photo looks clean and healthy. Sometimes the sutures spit or the skin has a minor breakdown at this area and it needs extra time to heal. I think you are doing fine and it should take a couple of weeks to close.For anyone interested in learning more about this procedure, read my book "Cosmetic Breast Surgery - a complete guide from A to double D".

This is actually fairly common and, despite what it may appear to be, not even that large.  The "T" is the point of maximum tension AND the least blood supply to the flaps (tissue) that has to heal so it's not surprisingly to have openings at this site.This will heal well and with barely an indication that there was ever an issue both because of its size (not that large) and location (under the breast).  Rarely, revisions are required or desired but I do not think that will be the case for you.It can, however, take several weeks to heal.  I would recommend conservative therapy - showers are fine, a bit of ointment if it's dry but not if it's weeping, and a non-stick dressing (such as Telfa or any other non-adherent material).  But you should, of course, go over all of this with your own plastic surgeon.I hope that this helps and good luck,Dr. Alan EnglerMember of RealSelf100