Does it look like my nipple/areola reconstruction has an infection? (photo)

Question

Surgery was 18days ago. It has a minor foul odor & this is as clean as I could get it. The nurse told me to have Vaseline on it with a non stick gauze pad & switch it twice a day after washing it with mild soap. It's getting a bit itchi, but my doc is 10 hrs away, just wanted to know if I should contact him asap. Any advice???

Ned Snyder, IV, MD · Answer

Thank you for submitting your questions and photos.  Based on your photos and symptoms, there could be a few different issues going on.  You may be developing a mild cellulitis (or skin infection), you could also have a contact allergy to the sutures or ointment as well.  It would be best if you could forward your photos to your plastic surgeon and get more feedback on what to do from this point.  Good luck in your recovery and thanks again for reaching out.

Does it look like my nipple/areola reconstruction has an infection? (photo)

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Does it look like my nipple/areola reconstruction has an infection? (photo)

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