Is this an infection 14 months after breast reduction srugery? What should I do to treat this? (Photo)

Hi Stash18, from what you are describing, I believe you may have a "Spitting Suture". This occurs when a buried suture works its way to the surface. These usually resolve on their on and will fall out, however, given the inflammation and pain you are experiencing, it would be worth while to reach out to the surgeon who performed your breast reduction to assess the site and determine whether it is a spitting suture or an infection. If you are experiencing a fever, foul smelling puss, increased redness/inflammation, I would encourage you to reach out to your surgeon sooner than later as it may have become infected and may require oral or topical antibiotic treatment.

It looks infected with the bright red skin and pain. You should see a doctor today so things do not get out of hand.

Thank you for your query. Based on your photographs, what you have is a “stitch abscess” from an unabsorbed suture in the area. Although the stitches may be absorbable, they can occasionally cause a reaction like this, with localized infection. Your surgeon will be able to take care of this by removing this stitch , which is usually a little deep. Other blue stitches may be removed at the same time. All the best!

Hello STASH 18 in Doha, thank you for your question regarding whether this is an infection 14 months after breast reduction surgery and what you should do to treat it. Thank you for your questions and your pictures. This is not a forum to be asking medical advice questions like this. You should go to your plastic surgeon immediately. If it is a serious infection, it needs to be treated immediately. Call your plastic surgeon now!

With that said, it appears that you do have an infection. The infection is probably due to a blue suture called a Prolene suture. During a breast reduction, a permanent blue suture is placed around the areola to minimize areola spread. It appears that the suture may be infected. Most plastic surgeons would give you 10 to 14 days of antibiotics. The antibiotics usually treat the infection. However, if the infection continues, you may need a small surgery to remove the suture. At a later date, the suture may need to be replaced. Either way, it is imperative that you contact your plastic surgeon immediately. Good luck. I hope I’ve answered your question regarding a possible infection 14 months after breast reduction surgery and what you should do to treat it.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS
Plastic and Aesthetic Surgeon

It appears that you have a low-grade infection. A timely visit to your surgeon would be advised. If he or she is not available then you should seek diagnosis and treatment with your primary care physician, urgent care clinic, or emergency room.

Hello, apparently if there is a localized infection, the most advisable thing is that you go to a doctor to clean you and send you treatment, for the moment it does not look very serious but it can get worse if you wait a long time

The most likely explanation is that one or more sutures or suture fragments are infected. Some surgeons use permanent sutures around the circumference of the areola to prevent the areola tissues from stretching. If that is the case, than the sutures need to be removed. You should see your plastic surgeon for a physical exam and have them manage this for you. There is a low risk of other potential causes of breast skin redness that must be ruled out.

Thanks for your question! You should call your plastic surgeon as soon as you can to have an in person appointment. Unfortunately, we won't be able to diagnose you via RealSelf. Good luck!

You probably have a buried suture that hasn’t dissolved and needs to be removed. Go back to your original surgeon to check it

Go back to your surgeon and be checked. You may have a suture that is not dissolving or a permanent one that may need to be removed.