Incision won't close because of excess fluid 19 days po. Doctor re-stitched, but says I may have to remove implant. Thoughts?

Question

I got a BA on Oct 2. I came to have stitches removed today, but one of my incisions (infra) is still wet and not closing. Doctor says it's because of excess fluid - he removed most of it through the incision by pressing on my breast. He says that if this doesn't resolve soon, I'll have to have the implant removed. He put some new stitches to close the wound and force the body to absorb the fluid, so to speak. I'm scared of the outcome. Taking antibiotics for a week (cipro/fluclo), no infection.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

After that amount of time, there is a possibility that infection has set in.  One option is to remove the implant and replace it once the infection has settled, usually in 3 months or so.  Another option, which I have used several times successfully, is a salvage procedure.  If it turns out that the implant may need to be removed, I would be happy to talk to your PS about this alternative approach.  All the best.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

There are various possibilities as to why you may be producing fluid to your breast. A photo of the incision would be helpful. Antibiotics are a good to prevent possible infection. Continue with the care plan from your surgeon, try not to strain the area and allow it to heal. Know that the healing process can be different for everyone. All the Best.

Bryson G. Richards, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and I understand your concern. Persistent drainage 19 days after surgery be due to one of multiple causes. Only your plastic surgeon can determine the course of action. If the drainage is purulent due to infection, it is likely that the implant will need to be removed. The implant can be replaced in 6 months once all of the infection has fully resolved.Now, if the fluid is from a persistent sterile seroma, the implant may be salvaged. Some compression can help resolve the drainage. Really, it is impossible to give you my expert opinion without a personal visit.Nonetheless, if you do lose the implant, all is not lost. You can have it replaced within a few months after you are healthy and free of infection. Keep in mind, your health is most important.I hope this helps.

Francisco Canales, MD · Answer

I am very sorry to hear about your concerns. At 19 days, most incisions will be fully healed.  Fluid coming out can be a sign of infection or fluid accumulation within the pocket. If the sutures that were placed do not heal, you may have to have the implant removed temporarily, However, one can come back in a few months to replace the implant once the process has healed.  Best,

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I am sorry to hear what she were going through.  Based on year history I share in her plastic surgeon is concerned that she may need her implant removed.  An open wound draining fluid after breast augmentation can be a sign that the implant is exposed and this was the case and will need to be removed.  However after a period of healing if this does occur, the implant can be replaced.  Good luck.

Incision won't close because of excess fluid 19 days po. Doctor re-stitched, but says I may have to remove implant. Thoughts?

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