How Much Incision Leakage is Normal After a Breast Lift and Augmentation?

I'm 5 days post-op (anchored incision). I'm having a cloudy bloody (not dark or light) leakage from the incision on my left downward incision and underneath the breast. My right breast is leaking from underneath the breast. When I change the bandage it drips down my stomach. The doctor prescribed antibotics just in case of an infection. Absent of a pain, fever, chills, or foul odor from leakgae. It doesn't appear the incision is torn, etc. Should it be leaking? Should I go to the emgerency room?

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7 Doctor Answers | Asked by UpDateMyBait in Fort Worth, TX

Doctor Answers (7)
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Leakage from incisions

Leakage such as shown in the picture may be a sign of a fluid collection on the right or possibly a hematoma on the left. You should contact your surgeon as soon as posible.

Go see your surgeon

Seroma is fluid build up in the pocket that the implant is in. If the fluid builds up quicker than the body can absorb it, the fluid will find a way to drain and this is usually through the incision. If this happens there is a direct opening to the implant. I would not swim, shower, bath or wet your breasts until you go and have your sugeon examine your breasts. You may need open drainage ie insertion of a drain

You should let your surgeon be aware of the drainage

It is unusual to have drainage post lift and implant unless there is an issue with the healing. Your surgeon has given you antibiotics without any sign of infection. Your surgeon is concerned that that fluid collection may turn it to infection. The only thing you can do is too follow your surgeon's recommendations and keep track of the drainage. Did you have drains post surgery?

Kamran Khoobehi, MD

28 reviews

New Orleans Plastic Surgeon

Drainage 5 days after breast lift plus implants could mean seroma.

Your photos do not show evidence of circulation impairment or incision breakdown, and a small amount of clear (or light yellow) drainage is normal serous fluid. Dripping or running from your incision may indicate a larger collection of this fluid beneath the skin flaps. A small amount is fine; more may benefit from drainage. The same goes for the other side, though bloody drainage may mean a collection of blood beneath the flaps. Again, a small amount goes with normal incisional healing,... more

Leakage Needs Evaluation

A small amount of drainage is not unusual in the day or so following mastopexy, however it is unusual 5 days out. The concern is that you have a fluid collection which is most likely a seroma. This is more common in the absence of drains. Cloudy is also a bit worrisome. Call your doctor for an exam/evaluation.

Breast Augmentation and Leakage?

Thank you for the question and pictures. At this stage in your recovery (5 days after surgery), the drainage you demonstrate is somewhat worrisome. Direct evaluation by your plastic surgeon is indicated. His/her office will be a better setting as opposed to the emergency room. Best wishes.

Leakage after breast lift and augmentation

Leakage or drainage of this type and this amount is not normal, and if your surgeon is not aware of it, he or she needs to be made aware of it right away. You could have a seroma or fluid collection that wants to drain, but the closeup of your left breast looks like the drainage is quite cloudy and possibly infected. I don't know whether your very full tight appearance is due to large implants or a fluid or blood collection in the pocket. You incisions do not look like they... more