Could scratching lead to infection in Breast reduction in only a few hours time?

Question

On the third day after surgery I began some light scrarching on the left side under the armpit. I made it under the bandaid once. A few hours later, that side was seems a little swollen/puffy but not red and still red/more painful. I looked and there is a maroon blood spot that is not covered by a bandage and some black stuff that stuck to the adhesive. Can i clean and re bandage? Is this getting infected? I have a post op in 3 days.

Richard A. Bartlett, MD · Answer

Dear lortiz7733, I would place a call to your operating surgeon to see if you can come in sooner to have them take a look. It is hard to tell what is going on from your photo. If you are only 3 days post op, it could be a bruise forming (some surgeons do liposuction in the area under the armpit which can cause more bruising than the other areas) but you would want to make sure that it is not a hematoma. Typically if a patient is having mild itching than we recommend taking a benadryl to alleviate that. You should always check with your surgeon before taking any medications. Good luck!

Nicholas Tarola, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  However, if you are having a problem just a few day following surgery, you should not be seeking a resolution on-line.  You should call your surgeon so you can be appropriately evaluated.  Best wishes!

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