Puss, opened sores around nipple on one side, need to get a second opinion on treatment? (photo)

Question

A week after a full breasts lift, with implants (470cc and 325cc) plus a mini tummy tuck, my right breast started oozing and looked like the stitches were no longer present. I went in to office and had covering and gauze dressing to keep on for 5 days. After see pic below. Nurse said put neosporin and gauze on it while air it out for 20-30 min. I'm worried I will have permanent damage. Is this the best course of treatment or ahould I go back in to see the doctor tomorrow?

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

HEALING AFTER BREAST
SURGERY, AUGMENTATION, LIFTS

1.   
pain is variable

2.   
it takes 2-3 months for implants to settle and muscles to relax

3.   
celebrex, motrin, and muscle relaxers can help

4.   
massage and stretching may help

5.   
everyone heals differently

6.   
4-7 days off from work is common

HEALING OF SENSORY NERVES: Tingling, burning or shooting pains, which will disappear
with time and should not alarm you, indicate regeneration of the sensory
nerves. If these sensations cause pain, repeated, local self-massage helps.

ASYMMETRY: The two breasts commonly heal quite differently. One
breast may swell more, feel more uncomfortable, or have a different initial
shape. After complete healing, they will be more similar and natural. You must
have patience, but if this causes concern, ask questions of the doctor or the
nursing staff.

SHAPE AND CONTOUR: The final shape of your breasts will start to look its
best approximately three (3) months after surgery. It takes time for the skin
and muscle to stretch and relax around the new implant. The breast will often
look higher, firmer, and “less natural” in the first three (3) months. It can
take up to a year to see your final result.

FOLLOW-UP EXAMS: These are generally done in 1 week, 2 to 3
weeks, 3 to 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months to 1 year, and 1-2 year intervals. In
our office we include all of your follow up appointments in the initial
surgical fee.

Puss tends to indicate the possibility of infection, meaning that it would be good to visit your surgeon right away to have the area examined and make sure everything is okay. Good luck.

Kevin D. Myers, MD · Answer

Hi Linda.

Small openings (or dehiscences) along a periareolar suture are unfortunately quite common this early after mastopexy or breast reduction. The yellowish areas that many patients believe are pus (which is liquid), are usually slough (fibrinous material that is a soft solid, and adherent to the wound) and NOT a sign of infection. Not to worry; keep the area clean with soap and water and apply antibiotic ointment and these will generally heal up in a week or two. Scars are permanent, but their appearance and quality change and improve over a course of many months.

Earl E. Ferguson III, MD, FACS · Answer

The type of openings pictured are generally nothing to be too concerned about as long as wound care is done properly.  They can be expected to heal without incident in most cases.

Cain R. Linville, MD, FACS · Answer

It looks like your right areola and breast incision has opened up a little. It's ok this can happen after a lift/aug. Some basic dressing care should fix all of that in time.

Erel Laufer, MD · Answer

it is not uncommon to see a delayed wound healing of the suture lines after this type of surgery,so go back to your surgeon and let him manage the wound care.

Puss, opened sores around nipple on one side, need to get a second opinion on treatment? (photo)

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Puss, opened sores around nipple on one side, need to get a second opinion on treatment? (photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Lift aug healing

Answer: Lift aug healing

Answer: Healing wounds after mastopexy with augmentation.

Answer: Healing wounds after mastopexy with augmentation.

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift with Implants

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