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Signs of Infection After Breast Reduction?

asked 2 years ago by Cindie lou who in East Jordan, MI
Latest answer by Alan Engler, MD
Question viewed 6,429 times
Tags: breasts

I am experiencing a tender to the touch, red, warm area on my left breast. This breast was really swollen and extremely bruised right after surgery and 3 weeks after surgery, I had a puppy jump up on me and hit me in this breast.

Now 5 weeks post op, most of my bruising has healed, but where the puppy hit me I am having the afore-mentioned red area. This area seems to be getting larger in circumference. Is this a sign of infection? Should I see my doctor for an antibiotic just to be safe?

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7 answers to Signs of Infection After Breast Reduction?

+1

Infection following a breast reduction

Thanks for the question. My advice would be to follow-up with your surgeon as soon as possible for further evaluation, as a red, warm, tender breast following a reduction mammmoplasty is a triad of signs which could indicate a significant underlying problem.  Best of luck.
Glenn Vallecillos, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

www.BeverlyHillsCosmeticSurgeon.com

+1

Breast Reduction - Signs of Infection After Breast Reduction?

I'm sorry for the difficulties you've had so far, though you will hopefully wind up with the result you hoped for. At this stage of your healing (5 weeks) you should not have areas of your breasts in which the redness is increasing in size. In the absence of systemic signs, such as fever, chills, sweats, etc., it is likely just to be a local, limited phenomenon. But that's not a decision that you can make or something you should take for granted. I would... more
Alan Engler, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Infection after Breast Reduction?

Thank you for the question. The area of redness and warmth should be evaluated for an infection. See your plastic surgeon for direct examination. Best wishes.
Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+1

Infection after breast reduction

Breast reduction surgery is a very popular and effective way to contour the breast and remove tissue that may be causing shoulder neck and back pain. Like all surgery, there are risks of complications such as infection. If the area around your decision is warm to the touch, firm, or painful, or you have a fever, nausea, or vomiting, these all may be signs of infection. If you are concerned, your best bet is to return to your plastic surgeon as soon as possible so that they may evaluate... more
B. Pat Pazmino, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1

Infection after breast reduction

It is difficult to say whether or not you have an infection. Did the dog bite you or scratch you? Perhaps it is just a bruise from him jumping on you? Without seeing you I could not guess. Best to see your doctor.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Possible Infection Following Breast Reduction

Certainly you should call your surgeon right away.  The area you described could represent  a number of things, but must be considered an infection until proven otherwise.
John Whitt, MD

Louisville Plastic Surgeon
+1

Infected breast

You should absolutely see your doctor.  Whether antibiotics are indicated will be determined.  Anytime redness and tenderness is a occurance it must be investigated.  However, I do not think your puppy is the resonsible party.  Sometimes any cut in the skin can get infected.  Good luck!
Rodger Wade Pielet, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

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