Should I go to the emergency room or wait until Monday to see surgeon for a small infection post op?

Question

I'm 5 weeks post op after breast reduction removed nipple & put back on. I took tapes off today as I could see weeping coming through the cloth on my nipple stitch line. There was puss and a small hole along stitch line and a stitch poking out the hole. I had a script for antibiotics just in case as I had a hematoma on that side and had to go back in for surgery so started them tonight. I'm worried an ER doctor might make a mess of it but worried that if I wait to see my surgeon it will be worse

Damian Marucci, MBBS, PhD, FRACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.It is impossible to diagnose what is going on accurately without examining you, but, from what you have written, it sounds like you have a dissolving suture which is "spitting" out of the wound. This can be associated with a small amount of pus but usually settles down on its own. If there is redness of the skin extending more than 1 cm from the wound, you should really see a doctor (preferably your PS) and THEN start antibiotics AFTER you have been examined.If you have a fever or extensive heat and redness of the breast, you should go into see a doctor today.I hope this helps.

Should I go to the emergency room or wait until Monday to see surgeon for a small infection post op?

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Should I go to the emergency room or wait until Monday to see surgeon for a small infection post op?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.