Is my breast augmentation incision infected? (photos)

Question

I am 24 days post op, 400cc under muscle implants. Yesterday I noticed a hole in my incision and went to a&e, they said it would heal together on its own and but strips over it to bring it slightly together. However all morning I have had horrific stomach cramps and diarrhoea. Can this be a sign of infection? I’m unable to see my incision as it’s covered but I will attach a photo from yesterday. Thank you.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Hi Amy5666,
  
I understand your concern. While it is common to have a superficial separation of the wound at the incision site (i.e T junction) following a breast augmentation/lift surgery, this must be closely monitored and make sure it does not become infected. You should follow your plastic surgeon's post operative wound care management instructions. 
  
If you are concerned, it is best that you visit your plastic surgeon to have yourself properly assessed. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
  
Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS
  
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
  
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
  
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Charles A. Messa III, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. There is a small skin separation which appears to be secondary to a suture reaction. It appears to be superficial  without obvious signs of infection,  such as redness, swelling, or drainage.  From the photograph it is difficult to determine if the opening extends deeper into the breast tissue or to the implant itself. I recommend that you see your plastic surgeon to determine the depth of the opening. I would recommend applying antibacterial ointment and covering the area until you can be examined. I don't believe your intestinal symptoms are related, but a fever or drainage from the breast would be concerning.  Best of luck.

Matt Erdmann, MBChB, FRCS(Eng), FRCS (Plast) · Answer

It looks like a small area of wound dehiscence which should not pose a problem, and should heal with good wound care in a  week or so. . The soft tissues over the implant should have been stitched in layers so you have plenty of protection before the implant is visible. Given the small size of the wound it is unlikely to be the cause of your sickness.
If you continue to have any concerns of course you should always return to your PS for advice and reassurance.

Stephen M. Davis, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for writing,The first sign of infection is always pain, then redness, heat, etc. The most common time for infection to show is day 5-7 post-op. I would follow you operating Plastic surgeons instructions carefully and completely. Good Luck Stephen M. Davis, MD, FACS
Certified: American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member: American Society for Aesthetics Plastic Surgery
Member: American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Member: RealSelf Hall of Fame

Mahmood Kara, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello. Thank you for your inquiry and congratulations on your surgery!

It is important to have an in-person medical assessment regarding this issue as it is difficult to determine virtually. Continue to update your doctor in the matter and follow their post-op protocol.

It is crucial to get cleared by your doctor before engaging in specific physical activity before the 3 month healing period has ended as the healing stage is important for healthy results.

It generally takes around 6 months to a year to see your final results. Your tissues will take time to relax and allow your implants to "Drop and Fluff" settling into place. Should a revision cross your mind, it is best to wait at least 6 months to a year before doing so.

Our tips for recovery following breast augmentation are to wear a supportive sports bra for 3 months post-operative and refrain from lifting anything heavier than 10 lbs for 3 weeks as we don't want any strain at your incision sites. Make sure to keep the area of your stitches clean by cleansing with hydrogen peroxide daily. Showering is encouraged! But, no sitting in water for 2 weeks following surgery (no baths, hot tubs, pools etc.).

Please note that this response does not substitute patient-doctor relationship. We welcome any and all patients seeking advice to come in for a complimentary consultation available for limited time only.

During the COVID-19, we are offering complimentary online consultations as well as in-office consultation with social distancing and masks. Procedure done in-hospital private surgical facility while taking covid-19 precautions. We utilize UV-light to clean the air of viruses and bacteria during our consultations and surgery. We invite you to come in to discuss your options more thoroughly. Please send us an email at info@drkaraplasticsurgery.com with the subject line: "Attention Meagan" and we will be happy to coordinate your appointment!
M.Kara,MD,FRCSC (27+ years experience) - Specializing in 24 hour recovery/ out to dinner breast augmentation in-hospital private surgical facility for your added safety and peace of mind

Is my breast augmentation incision infected? (photos)

Answers (5)