Is It Normal For Wounds To Still Be Leaking 6 Weeks Post Op? (photo)

Question

I had breast reduction 6 weeks ago! But unfortunately I've developed some bad wounds! They leak daily & I still have to cover them with dressings! I showed it to my Surgeon last week as I was worried about infection, but he said its not a problem & should heal up! The discharge is not smelly and I'm feeling perfectly fine! I don't have fever & my breasts aren't so painful! I only have slight pain & irritation at the wound sites! I still am really concerned :-( and I appreciate your help! Thanks

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

We occasionally see patients who have prolonged serous
drainage from their wounds following breast reduction surgery. In the vast majority of patients this problem
resolves spontaneously. When this
situation arises it’s important to perform frequent dressing changes and
monitor for the development of infection. It’s also important to continue the use of compressive support garments.In
some cases prolonged drainage may indicate the presence of a seroma. For this reason it may be appropriate to
obtain an ultrasound and CT studies to confirm this diagnosis. The vast majority of patients who have seromas
after six weeks require CT guided drain placement. Failure to provide adequate drainage can
result in secondary complications such as wound breakdown and infection.For
this reason, it’s important to consult your plastic surgeon. This surgeon should be able to formulate a
treatment plan that addresses your drainage.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Wounds at the junction of the incision for this type of breast reduction can occur.  Good wound care will with time heal these wounds.  Make sure you have close follow up with your plastic surgeon.

	Dr. ES

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and picture.

	The superficial separation and associated drainage is not uncommon after breast reduction surgery.  If it does occur it tends to occur  at the junction of the vertical and horizontal incision lines. These areas generally go on to heal without sequelae. I would suggest you continue to follow-up with your plastic surgeon.

	Congratulations on having undergone the procedure; it is one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform.

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

Breast reduction surgery removes a lot of breast tissue and a significant amount of breast and fat tissue.  The breast could have a little fat necrosis,  seroma fluid, open wounds     All are fairly normal and will heal.  Follow up with your doctor.

Dario Rochira, MD · Answer

You are experienced a common issue at the T-junction point (where your vertical and horizontal scars meet). It seems to be very superficial and apparently you haven't developed an infection so far. 
It will subside with time (can be 2 weeks or 2 months). However I would recommend to see your nurse/surgeon once a week until they are healed properly. Clean the wound and changing the dressing every day or every other day with an Iodine swab.

Is It Normal For Wounds To Still Be Leaking 6 Weeks Post Op? (photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Normal

Answer: Normal

Answer: Would healing problems after Breast Reduction

Answer: Would healing problems after Breast Reduction

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Is It Normal For Wounds To Still Be Leaking 6 Weeks Post Op? (photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Normal

Answer: Normal

Answer: Would healing problems after Breast Reduction

Answer: Would healing problems after Breast Reduction

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Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.