Is Drainage from Breast Lift Incision Normal?

It is not uncommon that a bit of fluid oozes from an incision a week or two after surgery. Of course you should review this with your doctor.

 

After a breast lift surgery it is possible to experience a small amount of drainage. The most important step is to distinguish normal drainage from discharge that may suggest a much larger problem. If the drainage is yellowish or clear and appears along one small area of the incision, it is possible that this may be liquefied fat that is being expressed. This will soon stop and can be treated with local wound care and dressing changes. However if the drainage is dark or has a foul odor, it is essential to visit with your plastic surgeon as quickly as possible so that they may determine if the drainage is from a deeper collection of blood, fluid or an infection. Your plastic surgeon may recommend antibiotics or a small procedure to remove this excess fluid collection.