I have been diagnosed with cellulitis of the breast, I first noticed in 2012. I've had surgery, it came back the next week. Help

Question

What can I do to get rid of this? I've noticed swelling after stressful situations and before cycles. It's right by my left nipple and the pus sometimes leaks from my nipple. The swelling is so bad sometimes I can feel it growing. They have been recurring almost every month since 2015 but the first one was in 2012.

Urmen Desai, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

You should have close follow up with your Primary Care Physician. Additionally I recommend daily washes of the area with Chlorhexidine.  I recommend an in-office examination as well as a detailed discussion with a surgeon who you are comfortable with.   Finally, make sure your surgeon is a Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS) and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).Best,Dr. DesaiBeverly Hills Institute for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryHarvard Educated, Beverly Hills & Miami Beach Trained, Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I would advise that you have your doctor refer you to a breast surgeon. This person specializes in treating breast disease and should be able to evaluate you and recommend a treatment plan. Best of luck!

Yuly Gorodisky, DO, FACOS · Answer

You should be seen by a breast surgeon to be evaluated. It may need to be treated surgically, but it has to be done after the infection has been treated.

Michael J. Yoo, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about your situation.
If you have an implant, it will likely need to be removed,  and the implant pocket debrided. It sounds like this is a chronic problem and its best you seek a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for a thorough evaluation.
best wishes

Talmage J. Raine, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Do you have an implant? You are on an implant site. In either case this will have to be addressed surgically in my opinion because it is recurrent. It is either some sort of cyst that is causing the issue or it is a hidrdenitis issue. Seek surgical help if you haven't already.
Talmage Raine MD

I have been diagnosed with cellulitis of the breast, I first noticed in 2012. I've had surgery, it came back the next week. Help

Answers (5)