Areola incision scar suddenly thicker, slightly red and painful (Photo)

Question

Just today I noticed pain and what feels like thickening of my incision/scar and some of the surrounding fat/tissue at the outer side of my incision. It is also slightly red around the incision area, but also only at the one end. The other half feels normal with no pain at all. Should I be worried about infection;what precautions should take?

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your photograph and your questions.  Based on your picture your incision does not look infected, but always best to look out for the hallmark signs: increasing pain, swelling, redness, or drainage of thick white discharge.  Your redness appears to be your body trying to heal the incision, and breaking down the sutures placed underneath the skin.  Best to keep your incision clean and dry, and inform your surgeon of any new changes that may develop, so that they can address any issues before they become a possible problem.

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD, MS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photo.  It appears that you have recently had surgery.  To ensure the best healing process, please be sure to follow up with your surgeon regarding your breast scar.  If it is found that you do have an infection, he or she can prescribe antibiotics to fight the infection.All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I would follow-up with your surgeon.  Antibiotics may be a consideration if your surgeon feels an infection is brewing.  They may also feel for sutures that may be inflammed or ready to spit through your incision.

Paul W. Papillion, MD · Answer

Hello, your pictures looks like you recently had surgery. If this is accurate, then infection and healing issues need to be addressed asap by your surgeon. Redness, swelling, tenderness, induration "thickening" of the area all can be signs of infection. I would see your surgeon soon.

Lisa M. DiFrancesco, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. The signs of infection may include fever, pan, redness, swelling, drainage, and warmth. If you have these symptoms you should contact your surgeon. However, normal wound healing causes inflammation which results in redness, firmness and discomfort along the incision line.

Joseph Franklin, MD · Answer

Sudden pain and thickening of a scar may mean that the sutures beneath the skin are being absorbed.   This can be painful for some patients.   Another cause can be hypertrophic scarring.   This is generally treated with silicone sheeting and possible local steroid injections.   Would contact your surgeon.  He or she will be able to give you the best answer for your question.  Best of luck during your continued recovery.

Areola incision scar suddenly thicker, slightly red and painful (Photo)

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