2 weeks post-op there is redness, warmth to the touch, and numbness. Is there an infection?

Question

I had a breast reduction about 2 weeks.my breast have been feeling very uncomfortable and itchy they’re very red and warm to the touch. Also a section in my left breast is completely numb so are my nipples.i went in for my 1 week check up, my plastic surgeon didn’t even see me, they had their assistant take me in and they said everything looks fine and that it’s normal for them to be like this. It doesn’t really look normal to me, I’m just worried that there could be an infection or something?

Jeff Angobaldo, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question! Those are all good reasons to be concerned. There are a few reason these symptoms could be present. One is cellulitis, which is an infection of the skin and is often associated with symptoms you have described. It could also be an allergic reaction to either the surgical prep (soap) that was used, any tape or skin glue possibly used. Itching is a sign of healing, but redness and warmth could indicate an infection. A fever and changes in blood work are often a late sign of infection, so I would recommend following back up with your surgeon and getting some additional guidance. In the mean time, be sure to continue to wash the area and keep it as clean as possible to prevent any further complications. Hope this helps.

Steven Yearsley, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Redness of the skin after surgery can mean a few things, but it is very important to get on top of treating it if it is an infection. One of the more common infections is something called cellulitis, which is an infection just of the skin. It usually starts at a site of injury to the skin, so incisions are a prime candidate. We live in a world of bacteria around us, so this sometimes happens by chance. More often it affects a single breast, but as plastic surgeons we have all seen both breast involved as well. You don't have to have a fever or changes in blood work for it to be an infection either.  Another common cause for redness is an allergic reaction. This could be because of the surgical prep, the dressings, sutures, skin glue, etc. It can be red and warm like an infection, but often is more patchy or even rough on the surface. There are other reasons for the redness, but my best advice is to see your surgeon again face to face so he/she can get to the bottom of this. They are there to see you through your post-operative care and they invariably want you to do well! Call today. I hope everything works out for you.

2 weeks post-op there is redness, warmth to the touch, and numbness. Is there an infection?

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2 weeks post-op there is redness, warmth to the touch, and numbness. Is there an infection?

Answers (2)

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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.