Is this an infection or an allergic reaction? (Photo)

Question

I am 3 days post op from lipo and a thigh reduction. There is redness and itching along the incision. I’m on co-amoxiclav as a preventative for infection and have several days left of the course. I’m wondering if it is a tape allergy? The incisions have been glued and then taped to allow me to shower, however I had this tape on my tummy tuck and breast reduction last year with no reaction. I’m worried it’s an infection starting however my surgeon has gone away for a few days.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

It is normal to have some redness and bruising just 3 days after surgery , it does not look infected I recommend you follow up with your PS to discuss your concerns.Best wishes.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your interesting question regarding whether you have an infection or an allergic reaction.  Thank you for your history in your pictures.  When examining your pictures, it doesn’t appear you have an infection.  An infection would include symptoms like fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and poor appetite.  Clinical signs of infection can include skin redness, erythema, and creamy, foul-smelling drainage.  The itchiness you describe is not a sign of infection.  The redness you depicted in these pictures does not convincingly depict an infection.  Most experienced plastic surgeons do not use tape.  Unfortunately, tape usually causes blisters.  A tape allergy is probably what’s happening in your case.  You may have developed a tape allergy even though you had no reaction to tape during your previous tummy tuck.  Therefore, most plastic surgeons would suggest you discontinue tape.  In addition, it may be too early to have showers.  Therefore, most experienced plastic surgeons would only recommend sponge bathing.  Alternatively, you could be allergic to what you apply to the wound or dressing.  Therefore, please get in touch with your plastic surgeon as soon as possible.  In the meantime, most plastic surgeons suggest discontinuing the Steri-Strips and tape and converting to sponge bathing.  Please make sure your garment is not digging into the incision.  It is also important for you to continue your prophylactic antibiotic.
Thank you for your question regarding whether you have an infection or an allergic reaction.  I hope that I have answered your questions regarding the thigh reduction.  If you have any questions regarding the thigh lift, thigh reduction, vertical thigh lift, medial thigh lift, spiral thigh lift, crescent thigh lift, or thigh lipo, please get in touch with a thigh lift expert.  Please seek an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing thigh lifts.  Do your research.  Make sure your chosen plastic surgeon has performed at least 150 thigh lifts.  Make sure they have the before and after pictures to prove it.  Carefully examine their before and after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf.   Consider traveling if you cannot find a thigh lift or reduction specialist.  Sincerely, Dr. Katzen.  (Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, International College of Surgery, and American Board of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Is this an infection or an allergic reaction? (Photo)

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Is this an infection or an allergic reaction? (Photo)

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