Is it normal for my incision to be leaking thick light green fluid? 2 weeks post-op. (Photo)

Question

Hi, I had an arm lift revision just on the upper part of my arm 12 days ago. As I was pulling the tape off of the incision to clean it, thick light green fluid started oozing from a small hole in the incision. Is it normal for it to be leaking fluid or is this a sign of infection? Thank you.

Yannis Alexandrides, MD, FACS · Answer

This looks like pus which would require you to follow up with your surgeon immediately as it's likely that you have an infection here.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

HI, Shinylove1 in Bakersfield.  Thank you for your question regarding whether it is normal for your brachioplasty or arm lift incision to be leaking thick light green fluid 2 weeks post-op.  Thank you for your history and your arm lift picture.  The short answer is "No. It is not normal for your brachioplasty or arm lift incision to be leaking thick light green fluid 2 weeks post-op."  You should contact your plastic surgeon immediately.  What you are describing may be a post-operative brachioplasty infection.  You should NOT rely on advice platforms like this for urgent plastic surgery advice.  Call your plastic surgeon now.  Good luck. Thank you for your question regarding whether it is normal for your brachioplasty or arm lift incision to be leaking thick light green fluid 2 weeks post-op.
Since a brachioplasty or arm lift surgery is difficult, please seek an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing these types of arm lifts. Do your research.  Make sure your chosen plastic surgeon has performed at least 100 arm lifts.  Make sure they have the before and after pictures to prove it.  Carefully examine their before and after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf.   Sincerely, Dr. Katzen, MD, MBA. (Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, International College of Surgery, and American Board of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, RealSelf Hall of Fame, and RealSelf Doctor Advisory Board for Medical Review and Consumer Panel.)

Joubin Gabbay, MD · Answer

This may be the sign of infection and should be evaluated promptly by your surgeon.It is very important that you seek the advice of a surgeon who is experienced with the procedure, and a certified by the American Board of plastic surgery.
  
I wish you the best, 
  
Dr. Gabbay

Joshua Cooper, MD, FACS · Answer

It is not normal to be leaking thick fluid from your arm lift incisions 2 weeks after the procedure.  However, infections and issues with wound healing do occasionally occur.Definitely call your plastic surgeon to be evaluated.  You may have an infection, and the sooner it is addressed, the quicker it can be dealt with so you can go on to heal. Thanks for sharing!

Paul M. Steinwald, MD · Answer

Anything cloudy/purulent (and/or foul smelling) is probably evidence of an early wound infection (although it could be late evidence of a seroma - plasma fluid collection - especially if a drain wasn't used, but probably would be preceded by significant unilateral redness/swelling). Either way likely self-limited, but would use over-the-counter ointment twice a day until you can see your surgeon about it (especially if it doesn't resolve with topical therapy after several days . . . )

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

Discharge following arm lifts is common. Green coloured fluid can be related to the dressings although if oozing through it is best to see your PS for reassurance.

Gabriel Chiu, DO · Answer

Thank you for your question. Based on your case and photo, it would be best to get in to see your plastic surgeon in person to assess the incision. At 2 weeks post surgery, it is not a good sign to have fluid leaking from your incision, although it could just be a collection of body fluid. If the fluid is purulent, or has a bad odor, you should be assessed as soon as possible, as it may be a wound infection and needs to be treated sooner rather than later. Again, please see your plastic surgeon in person as soon as you can.

Ben Gbulie, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi
Thanks for your question.
By two weeks post-op leaking fluid is probably not normal and from your description this likely represents a wound infection. You should see your PS to evaluate the extent of the process and get treated accordingly.
I hope this helps.....

Anthony J. Taglienti, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. This could potentially be a suture spitting - meaning that your body is reacting to an internet suture; or, it could be fat necrosis, meaning that it is some fat that has died and is leaking out; or it could be a small abscess / infection. While that does look like thick material, if it has stopped and you aren't having pain, or redness, or swelling, then chances are it should resolve on its own. You may want to let your PS know though - this way he or she can evaluate you in person. Best of luck!

Francisco Sauceda, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

No, this is not normal, please go and see your doctor.
Some times this can have an infection, and your doctor is the one that can treat this, or decide this is not a problem, but you need to see him/she

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