Large wound opening up 2 weeks after breast reduction. What is the best course of action? (photo)

Question

I have a opening under my right breast and was wondering what the beat course of action is. My left breast does not have this issue at all. The wound seeps some fluid and is painful.

Urmen Desai, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

I recommend an in-office examination as well as a detailed discussion with a surgeon who you are comfortable with. Finally, make sure your surgeon is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS).Best,Dr. DesaiBeverly Hills Institute for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryHarvard Educated, Beverly Hills & Miami Beach TrainedDouble Board-Certified, Double Fellowship-Trained Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Warmhearted5646,
this type of wound is not uncommon after breast reduction. It is usually caused by poor blood flow. I would suggest you to consult your plastic surgeon, follow your surgeon's instructions and keep your wound clean and covered. It can take few weeks or months for wound to fully heal. 
Daniel Barrett, MD

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

You have had some separation at a spot which is quite common.  It will gradually close up in a few weeks so no need to worry.  But you should be seen by your plastic surgeon for specific wound care advice.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

The "T" point is an area common for delayed healing. It is a vascular water shed (i.e. relatively diminished blood supply where 3 flaps meet) under high tension.
Patients will typically exhibit some degree of dehiscence (separation) and epidermolysis (sloughing of the upper layers of skin). With some local wound care, these will typically heal secondarily without further intervention.The best advice is to closely follow the recommendations of your surgeon and be patient as these wounds may take several weeks to resolved entirely.
As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS)
Donovan Rosas MD
Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member: American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons
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Matthew A. DelMauro, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question. (Keep in mind that an in-person consultation is necessary for the best advice.) I'm sorry to hear about the trouble you have had after surgery. Wound healing complications are not uncommon after breast reduction surgery. Local wound care is the treatment. You should follow up with your plastic surgeon so that he/she can evaluate you, address your concerns, and develop a plan of care. Best of luck!
Matthew A. DelMauro, M.D.

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

You have some dehiscence of the wounds and this will heal with appropriate wound management. I would keep in touch with your PS

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

See your plastic surgeon for evaluation and treatment. Pain can be an indication of infection and the drainage needs to be cultured.

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Thank you for your recent question and photo.  It is not uncommon to have some wound separation after a breast reduction.  It may possibly just be a suture that is causing the incision to break down.  I would recommend seeing your surgeon to be sure there is no spitting suture.  In the mean time keep the area clean and dry with soapy water.  Apply some triple antibiotic oint and a gauze to the site.  It will heal in time.  If there is a suture that is not dissolving the would will stay this way.  Best of Luck!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear about the complication you have experienced. Although understandably distressing to patients, these types of incision line healing problems tend to heal over the course of several weeks. Sometimes, the area may look worse before it looks better. Most often, even larger open wounds have healed by the time a patient reached the two months post op mark.
These wounds go on to heal through a process of contraction where the tissues heal from the sides towards the center of the wound; occasionally, removal of unhealthy tissue (debridement) and/or removal of exposed sutures, may expedite the healing process. Close followup with your plastic surgeon will be important; treatment regimens will vary from one practice to another.  Sometimes removal of a exposed suture and/or removal of any unhealthy tissue will expedite healing.  Also important to concentrate on a healthy diet, including good protein source.
 
Best wishes; despite the incision line healing problem it is most likely that you will be pleased with the longer-term outcome of the procedure.

Large wound opening up 2 weeks after breast reduction. What is the best course of action? (photo)

Answers (9)

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