Signs of Infection After Breast Reduction?

Question

I am experiencing a tender to the touch, red, warm area on my left breast.  This breast was really swollen and extremely bruised right after surgery and 3 weeks after surgery, I had a puppy jump up on me and hit me in this breast.Now 5 weeks post op, most of my bruising has healed, but where the puppy hit me I am having the afore-mentioned red area.  This area seems to be getting larger in circumference.  Is this a sign of infection?  Should I see my doctor for an antibiotic just to be safe?

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

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.

Jon S. Wilensky, MD · Answer

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.

David Mattos, MD · Answer

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

Joseph L. Grzeskiewicz, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

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.

Pat Pazmino, MD, FACS · Answer

Breast reduction surgery is a very popular and effective way to contour the breast and remove tissue that may be causing shoulder neck and back pain. Like all surgery, there are risks of complications such as infection. If the area around your decision is warm to the touch, firm, or painful, or you have a fever, nausea, or vomiting, these all may be signs of infection. If you are concerned, your best bet is to return to your plastic surgeon as soon as possible so that they may evaluate you. They will most definitely want to make sure that your healing okay.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It is difficult to say whether or not you have an infection. Did the dog bite you or scratch you? Perhaps it is just a bruise from him jumping on you? Without seeing you I could not guess. Best to see your doctor.

Glenn Vallecillos, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for the question. My advice would be to follow-up with your surgeon as soon as possible for further evaluation, as a red, warm, tender breast following a reduction mammmoplasty is a triad of signs which could indicate a significant underlying problem. 
 Best of luck.

Alan M. Engler, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

I'm sorry for the difficulties you've had so far, though you will hopefully wind up with the result you hoped for.  At this stage of your healing (5 weeks) you should not have areas of your breasts in which the redness is increasing in size.  In the absence of systemic signs, such as fever, chills, sweats, etc., it is likely just to be a local, limited phenomenon.  But that's not a decision that you can make or something you should take for granted.  I would advise you to contact your surgeon and let him or her make that call.

	I hope that this helps, and good luck,

	Dr. E

John Whitt, MD (retired) · Answer

Certainly you should call your surgeon right away.  The area you described could represent  a number of things, but must be considered an infection until proven otherwise.

Signs of Infection After Breast Reduction?

Answers (11)

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