2 wks post op Breast Reduction, doing fine but a bit of yellow liquid coming from wound underneath right breast. Is this normal?

Question

Hi there, I had my BR surgery 2 weeks ago and had my dressings removed on Monday. The nurse said everything is looking fine but since I have noticed a little bit of yellow/red fluid stains on my bra where my wound is underneath my right breast so I have put a little dressing on it. I was just wondering is this normal? Or should I get it looked over by the nurse again? I don't have any pain with it and I don't want to bother my nurse if it's nothing I should be concerned about.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on having undergone the breast reduction procedure. A small amount of drainage from the incision line is quite commonly seen after this procedure. Sometimes, this is  secondary to fat necrosis, sometimes there's a superficial separation present. Keep in mind, that your plastic surgeon will always be your best resource when it comes to accurate diagnosis and treatment options; if in doubt, best  to return to the office for in-person evaluation, treatment recommendations, and/or meaningful reassurance. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with long-term.

Jeffrey Umansky, MD · Answer

Hi and thanks for the question. Without a photo, it is a little difficult to advise. My guess is that you have a little wound that is causing a little drainage. This will usually occur at the "T" junction and can be treated with a antibiotic ointment.  I suggest you talk to the nurse in the morning to keep her in the loop.

R. Scott Yarish, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  This is probably normal body fluid coming from an open area of the wound.  This could be very minor and resolve on its own, or something more problematic.  My advice is to make an appointment with your surgeon and meanwhile keep a clean dressing on it.  Of course, if you have excessive redness and/or pain associated with it, see your surgeon ASAP.

Brian J. Lee, MD · Answer

A small amount of yellow drainage is usually fine even two weeks after a breast reduction. Your best bet is to contact your surgeon or his nurse so they may make that determination.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

If you have a small amount of breakdown at the base of your incision, then it may drain a bit.  Often times local wound care is all that is necessary to get the wound to heal. Best to follow your doctor's instructions.

2 wks post op Breast Reduction, doing fine but a bit of yellow liquid coming from wound underneath right breast. Is this normal?

Answers (7)

Answer: 2 wks post op Breast Reduction, doing fine but a bit of yellow liquid coming from wound underneath right breast. Is this normal?

Answer: 2 wks post op Breast Reduction, doing fine but a bit of yellow liquid coming from wound underneath right breast. Is this normal?

Answer: Breast reduction and fluid at incision

Answer: Breast reduction and fluid at incision

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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2 wks post op Breast Reduction, doing fine but a bit of yellow liquid coming from wound underneath right breast. Is this normal?

Answers (7)

Answer: 2 wks post op Breast Reduction, doing fine but a bit of yellow liquid coming from wound underneath right breast. Is this normal?

Answer: 2 wks post op Breast Reduction, doing fine but a bit of yellow liquid coming from wound underneath right breast. Is this normal?

Answer: Breast reduction and fluid at incision

Answer: Breast reduction and fluid at incision

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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