Infection After Breast Augmentation and Lift

The usual symptoms of bacterial infection include pain and tenderness, swelling, and erythema. Sometimes, there may also be a fever and purulent discharge (pus). If you are not experiencing any of these symptoms then it may just be prominent scarring. However, just in case please see your surgeon as it could be an infection that should be treated as soon as possible. Best of luck. 

 

Infection following breast augmentation is a serious
complication that can result in patients losing their breast implants. Signs of
infection include redness, swelling, drainage, pain, fever, and flu-like
symptoms. When these symptoms occur they should be investigated aggressively.
This may include laboratory studies, ultrasonography, and possibly fluid
aspiration from the breast pocket for culture.

Although your past history is concerning, your pictures
suggest a normal inflammatory response which is frequently associated with
wound healing. Although we don’t have the benefit of a physical exam, your
pictures suggest a normal postoperative course.

It’s important that your plastic surgeon closely
monitors your progress. It appears that your wound is slowly improving and
should continue to get better with time.

The breast in the photograph does not appear to be infected but rather looks like there is some suture reactivity taking place.  This can happen with Vicryl sutures and Monocryl sutures as well as others.  At this time I would let the breast incisions settle down and then reassess at a later date.

Based on the photographs, it seems that your redness is very focal to the area around the incision.  The main portion of the breast appears to be uninvolved.  Could it be that you may be reacting the sutures that are used for the internal dermal suturing?  Sometimes, sutures like vicryl and monocryl can cause a reaction like the one around your incision.  Please check with your surgeon for that possibility.  Good luck with this issue.

An augmentation mastopexy is the reason for the most litigation of plastic all surgery cases.  This indicates it is a procedure where complications of varying degrees are not uncommon.  Based upon the pic provided, it does not appear to be infected.  I give all breast augmentation patients antibiotics, but this is not mandatory.  See your doctor and don't be afraid to ask questions. Good Luck!