Signs of Infection After Breast Reduction?

Infection can occur with any surgical procedure for a variety of reasons.  Many of these infections occur as a result of events that occur in the post-operative period.
It’s noteworthy that you appeared to be doing well for the first three weeks following surgery until you had a collision with your dog.  Following that event you developed an area of redness, bruising and swelling.  I suspect this was probably a hematoma that developed secondary to trauma.  Over the course of time the bruising has resolved, but now after five weeks there appears to be an expanding area of redness.
Although it’s impossible to know without examining you, I suspect that you have a hematoma that has become secondary infected.  This type of problem may require antibiotics and possibly drainage of the wound.
Infection following surgery is typically associated with redness, pain, swelling, drainage, chills and elevated temperatures.  It’s important that you be evaluated by your surgeon before this problem develops into something more severe.  With early appropriate intervention your result should still be excellent.

Signs of infection after breast reduction surgery can include:
1. Increased Pain: If you notice that your pain is getting worse instead of better as time goes on, it could be a sign of infection.
2. Redness: If the area around your incisions becomes increasingly red or inflamed, it may indicate an infection.
3. Swelling: While some swelling is normal after surgery, if you notice excessive or worsening swelling, it could be a sign of infection.
4. Warmth to the Touch: The affected area may feel warmer than the surrounding skin, which could indicate inflammation due to infection.
5. Pus or Drainage: Any discharge from the incision site that is yellow, green, or foul-smelling may suggest an infection.
6. Fever: A fever is often a sign that your body is fighting off an infection. If you develop a fever after surgery, it's important to contact your plastic surgeon.
7. Chills: Feeling unusually cold or experiencing chills could be a sign of a systemic infection.
If you experience any of these symptoms after breast reduction surgery, it's essential to contact your plastic surgeon immediately. Prompt treatment of an infection is crucial for preventing complications and promoting healing.

Great question. If anyone ever has this question or concern, do not hesitate to call your surgeon and ask for help. Infection usually presents at least a week after surgery, and shows redness that is expanding, pain, possibly drainage of tissue, or increased swelling. If any of these signs are present, it could be secondary to infection and should be evaluated. You may very well need antibiotics and potentially incision and drainage.
-Dr. David Mattos, New York Plastic Surgical Group

Basically, anything with an acute change such as you are describing which is getting larger in circumference should be evaluated.  The symptoms and findings you describe with tenderness, warmth to touch, swelling, and redness are all classic findings diagnostic with infection.  You have to consider it this until proven otherwise, and if you follow that logic, it should be treated immediately.

Thank you for the question.

The area of redness and warmth should be evaluated for an infection. See your plastic surgeon for direct examination.

Best wishes.