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

Question

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?

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

It’s not unusual for
patient’s to have small areas of incisional breakdown following breast lift
surgery.This situation is often
accompanied by serous drainage from the wound.This fluid is often straw colored and passes through the area of
breakdown.In most cases, these wounds
heal without difficulty and the drainage stops.Although there doesn’t appear to be any evidence that
this wound is infected, this situation can change rapidly.If fluid can get out, bacteria can get
in.For this reason, it’s important to
consult your surgeon as soon as possible.Your surgeon may perform an ultrasound study to rule out the presence of
a seroma.Since you have a breast
implant, he may elect to start prophylactic antibiotics.By taking this approach, more significant
complications can be avoided.

Rady Rahban, MD, FACS · Answer

That is a great question. It is normal to have some very minimal spotting of  blood for about a week, however, it is completely abnormal to have any more leakage after that. Leakage of any pus coloring along with pain can be a sign of infection. It is crucial that you contact your surgeon immediately and inform him/her of your issue so that the appropriate treatment can be started immediately. I hope this has helped.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

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.

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

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, but more may indicate a small hematoma that might benefit from drainage. Your surgeon will be able to determine this, but only with physical examination of your breasts.

	Antibiotics are a good idea, not because either breast IS infected, but because healing is incomplete, and any warm, wet collection COULD become infected, which is why drainage is sometimes a good idea.

	Call your surgeon's office for an appointment tomorrow, rather than at your next regularly-scheduled time. Best wishes!

Kamran Khoobehi, MD · Answer

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?

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

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

Answers (8)

Answer: Incisional Breakdown Following Surgery Isn't Unusual

Answer: Incisional Breakdown Following Surgery Isn't Unusual

Answer: Leakage After Breast Augmentation and Lift

Answer: Leakage After Breast Augmentation and Lift

Answer: Breast Augmentation and Leakage?

Answer: Breast Augmentation and Leakage?

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift

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

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

Answer: You should let your surgeon be aware of the drainage

Answer: You should let your surgeon be aware of the drainage

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