Infection, allergic reaction or seroma after breast augmentation? What shall I do?

Question

I have had two ops on my right side in the last 3 months the first my augmentation of 425cc which got a wound infection 3 weeks post op it was cleaned and out back with a new scar. Now 6 weeks post that op o develop a blister on the scar which has since be drained and now is leaking a clear yellow fluid. I believe a seroma. The implant is fine and I show no sign of infection. What are my options.. my PS says he will cut out the old wound a re do the NHS just want to cut out the implant.

Richard H. Fryer, MD · Answer

I'm sorry that you're having a tough time healing after your breast augmentation.  Leaking fluid from the incision after breast augmentation is not a normal expectation and may indicate that something bigger is going on.  You need to make sure that you have close follow up with your plastic surgeon to help you get through this.  There are a lot of variables that have to be considered to determine the proper course of action.

Christopher J. Davidson, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photograph. So sorry your are experiencing delayed wound healing.  If fluid is increasing, it will likely need to be irrigated and drained.  Should you have an undesirable scar, you may consider a scar revision after the area is completely healed.  Best to follow the specific instructions given to you by your plastic surgeon.  Good luck.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I am sorry you are experiencing problems, I would recommend you visit your PS for a proper exam and treatment asap he or she is your best source.best of luck.

Christopher Craft, MD · Answer

Myba,
I am so very sorry that you are experiencing difficulty after your breast enhancement surgery. Your course is not typical and the photos you shared are concerning. The bulging area on your incision line and blistering like presentation is suggestive of fluid. That can be due to seroma or worse subclinical infection. I recommend close follow up with your surgeon for further guidance. A second opinion with another surgeon is never a bad idea as well. 
Best of luck and sorry again for your concerns.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear myba,I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after thorough examination you can get proper recommendations and advice.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Marcus Davis, MBBS, MRM, FRCSEd (Plast) · Answer

Dear Myba,
Many thanks for sharing your pictures and I am very sorry to hear the problems you have been experiencing.
Fluid leakage post breast augmentation is not a normal occurrence, and one therefore worries that you may have a subclinical infection possibly involving your implant. 
I would recommend you possibly seek the second opinion of a board certified (FRCS (Plast)) Plastic Surgeon to both examine you clinically, possibly arrange an ultrasound scan and advise you on your best course of action/treatment.
I wish you all the best with your journey.
Regards,
Marcus

Charles Nduka, MD · Answer

Leakage of serous fluid is not common post op and may indicate early signs of infection or seroma build up on the breasts. Seroma is easily drained in the office and require little time to heal. It would be best to schedule an appointment with your surgeon for an in-person examination.

Eric YK Li, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about your difficulties.  It's always possible to revise your scar in the future if it has healed unfavourably, but more importantly I would recommend ensuring that the fluid leaking out of your incision is not communicating with your breast pocket.  If there is fluid inside the pocket, it needs to be drained and there may also be a subclinical infection which may need additional treatment.  Best to see your plastic surgeon for ongoing follow-up and management.  Cheers

Alastair J. Platt, FRCS (plast) · Answer

I am sorry to hear that you are having problems.  I think that you probably have a low grade infection around the implant and may have to have it removed.  You will need to see your plastic surgeon to get further treatment soon.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about the problem you are experiencing.  Your plastic surgeon will be your best resource when it comes to diagnosis and treatment recommendations.  Having said that, based on your history and after viewing your photographs, I would be concerned that there is underlying breast implant involvement (subclinical infection).   In other words, I would be concerned that the cause of the current incision line healing problem and ongoing drainage is that the underlying breast implant is communicating with the incision line and external ("environment").   If this does turn out to be the case, breast implant removal surgery may be indicated (to allow for healing and eventual re-augmentation). Best wishes.

Infection, allergic reaction or seroma after breast augmentation? What shall I do?

Answers (10)

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