Brown and bloody oozing coming out of mastopexy incision. What could this be? (photo)

Question

I had surgery on February 7th and everything was normal until I noticed my incision on the left breast started to open and a little bit of dark blood started coming out but they said it was nothing to worry about... yesterday I woke up and a brown bloody and creamy ooze started to come out.. I went to the ER and my blood work didn’t show any sign of infection and the ultrasound showed some liquid near to the incision (there’s a hematoma right above the opened incision), I’m on antibiotics

James H. Rogers, MD · Answer

After a breast lift, or a reduction, there is usually some blood and body fluid under the skin after surgery. Usually most of this may be absorbed over time, however a collection may persist for quite awhile. If there is a weak or unhealed part of the incision, the fluid can leak out,even weeks after the surgery.This is common, and usually is not associated with infection, or requiring treatment. I encourage patients to contact their surgeon first with these types of problems rather than go to the emergency room to avoid an unecessary and frequently expensive evaluation.

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry, you appear to have drainage hematoma, I am glad that the ER does not think you have an infection, but you need your surgeon's input in the management, good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear valvv03,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination but based on your description and photos, it looks like a post-operative hematoma. I suggest you to consult your plastic surgeon as soon as possible and get it resolved.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your pictures and questions. This likely represents a draining postop hematoma and you should report to your surgeon's office as soon as possible for an evaluation and discussion of management.Good luck!Dallas R. Buchanan, MD, FACSOwner & Board-Certified Plastic SurgeonVIVIFY plastic surgery

Thomas Fiala, MD, FACS, FRCSC · Answer

Please report to your surgeon's office promptly for evaluation of what appears to be a significant post-op hematoma.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You need to contact your surgeon and be seen right away. You have a hematoma that may need to be drained, plus you do not want to pick up an infection and have the implant removed.

Matthew A. DelMauro, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question. (Keep in mind that an in-person consultation is necessary for the best advice.) Wound healing complications and mild oozing from incisions is not uncommon after surgery. You should follow up closely with your plastic surgeon to make sure nothing more serious is going on. Best of luck!
Matthew A. DelMauro, M.D.

Kamran Khoobehi, MD · Answer

This is worrisome due to the color and consistency. You have hematoma that need to treated . Did you have implants? Please see your surgeon ASAP

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Brown and bloody oozing coming out of mastopexy incision. What could this be? (photo)

Answers (8)

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