Management of Small Open Area on Breast Lift Lateral Incision
Yes, cleaning the small open area with normal saline and applying Steri-Strips is appropriate temporary management until the patient sees their plastic surgeon. This approach aligns with established wound care principles for surgical incisions with minor dehiscence.
Immediate Wound Care Protocol
Your management was correct and follows standard guidelines:
Irrigation with sterile normal saline is the recommended cleaning method for surgical wounds, as it effectively removes debris without tissue toxicity 1, 2, 3.
Steri-Strips are appropriate for reapproximating wound edges in small dehiscences without tension, particularly when the wound appears clean without signs of infection 1, 4.
The wound should remain clean and dry until the stoma tract/incision is fully healed, which typically takes 5-7 days post-procedure 1.
Critical Assessment Before Plastic Surgeon Visit
Monitor the patient for signs requiring urgent evaluation before the scheduled appointment:
Signs of infection requiring immediate attention include fever >38.5°C (101.3°F), expanding erythema >5 cm around the wound, purulent discharge with foul odor, or severe pain disproportionate to wound appearance 4.
Minor erythema <5 mm around the incision is common from movement and does not necessarily indicate infection 1.
Clear to yellowish serous drainage is normal and expected in healing wounds—this should not be mistaken for infection 4.
Ongoing Management Until Surgeon Visit
Continue conservative wound care:
Change dressings daily to inspect the wound and reapply clean Steri-Strips if needed 2, 4.
Avoid topical antimicrobials unless clear signs of infection develop, as they are not recommended for clinically uninfected wounds 2.
Do not attempt to resuture or close the wound yourself—infected or dehisced wounds should not be closed, and definitive management should be left to the plastic surgeon 1, 4.
Key Pitfalls to Avoid
Do not apply Steri-Strips with excessive tension, as this can compromise blood supply and worsen the dehiscence 4.
Do not assume serous fluid indicates infection—clear drainage without foul odor is part of normal wound healing 4.
Avoid aggressive cleansing or antiseptic solutions (hydrogen peroxide, betadine, alcohol) as these are locally toxic and do not enhance healing 5, 3.
Ensure the patient understands when to seek urgent care if infection signs develop before the scheduled appointment 2, 4.
Evidence Quality Note
The recommendation for saline irrigation and Steri-Strip application is supported by multiple high-quality guidelines from the Infectious Diseases Society of America and consensus recommendations 1, 2, 4. Clean technique (rather than sterile) for dressing changes is equally effective and does not increase infection risk 6.