Breast Reconstruction with Implant healing not going well

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Hi Everyone, I a, 4 weeks post surgery I had a mastecomy and immediate reconstruction with an implant. The first couple of weeks after I was very red and was on antibiotics for possible skin infection but it seemed to settle and the hardness softened and it feels more soft and regular now. However, I have scabs where the incision was on the far left and far right (centre is perfectly healed) so as instructed I've been showing as normal and moisturising to soften the scabs, however there is a tint hole in one end and the skin/scabby type bit is black in colour and on the other side where the big scab has fallen off has exposed I have no skin under it and you can see the implant - this is a smallish area about the size of a ten pence piece (2 cm diameter)- I was shocked when my consultant told me that was the implant I thought it was my skin that wasn't yet healed... so to say I am very upset and deflated is an understatement as I thought I was healing well and on the road to recovery and about to start my radiotherapy. :(

So I seen the Breast Surgeon last night who confirmed I need to see the Reconstruction surgeon and they will be in touch with me but its Friday night and I am now worried I won't hear from him til Monday with the next steps. Surely they have ways to mend this without removing the implant.. I really want to avoid any more hospitalisation... .has anyone had this happen to them?

I don't 'know the technical term for when this happens so I can't google and self diagnose- probably a good thing :)-

Any advise is much appreciated.

Gardinia over 2 years ago

Hi MinnieM, not had reconstruction but I can tell you about my scar. I had a lumpectomy and had a scar underneath my breast, once the dressing came off I noticed a small hole about half a cm. The BC nurse referred me to the nursing team. I had appointments twice a week for them to change the dressings. They used medical grade manuka honey in a tube and a gauze pad that was infused with manuka honey. It’s taken a month to heal for such a small opening and It wasn’t deep. I had been run down and have had flu, so maybe that is why it has taken so long. I wondered why they didn’t use superglue. Hopefully the surgeon can resolve quickly for you x

Hopeful Barb over 2 years ago

Hi Minnie_Mouse, I think this is the medical term for what you have and treatment will depend on what the plastic surgeon feels is best to get closure. Hope this helps.
Wound Separation (Dehiscence) – A relatively rare complication within the first 2 weeks where the edges of the wound separate resulting in an open wound or possibly exposure of the implant. This can be solved by using Steristrips to close the incision, or may require additional surgery..
I know it says 2 weeks but there can be some variation. Hope you don’t need more surgery but if you do it will be for the best. Nothing seems easy sometimes but we just keep on moving forward. Take care and thinking of you.
Barbara

Barbara

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Breast Reconstruction with Implant healing not going well