3.5 weeks post-op breast lift with implants. My right breast has been draining from these spots, any advice? (Photos)

Question

Down significantly since I had my sutures and Staples out 4 days ago. My PS has advised me to keep it as clean and dry as possible. I just finished antibiotics 2 days ago. Does this look like it is healing normally? He said we will keep an eye on it for the next week while I'm off antibiotics, to see if it becomes infected. I am of course trying to avoid this at all costs. Any advice? There are no signs of infection, as far as I can tell, as of right now

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,Your wound is located very near your implant.  You were on a very prolonged course of antibiotics, which could mask the reality of this situation: the implant could be exposed to bacteria that will lead to infection. Currently, one of your photos shows redness around the wound that may suggest an ongoing superficial infection. Your surgeon should consider examining the wound carefully, and possibly performing a debridement in the operating room to assess integrity of the tissues covering the implant. Best of luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear gaily1,this type of wound is not uncommon after breast lift. It is usually caused by poor blood flow. I would suggest you to consult your plastic surgeon, follow your surgeon's instructions and keep your wound clean and covered. It can take few weeks or months for wound to fully heal. 
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Tim Sayed, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

You had a breast lift and implants, and it appears that the implant size is on the larger end. When you combine these, it often means you will have pressure on the lower and frontal suture lines from the weight of the implant, and this is in an area where some breast tissue is commonly removed in the lift to allow for a rounder proper shape. Because of this, many patients will have thin tissue coverage in these areas, and any open wound (even a 1mm pinhole) could represent a conduit between the outside world and your implant pocket. This can lead to bacterial colonization/infection of the implant and represent a threat to the implant and your healing. Your surgeon needs to carefully assess this. Just continuing antibiotics is not ideal. Your surgeon may wish to probe the wound in a sterile environment to carefully identify whether any implant exposure (even if not readily visible at the open wound surface) is present. If present, that may require removal/replacement of your implant, washout of the space, reclosure of the wounds, and other maneuvers.

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for the photos and I would ask my surgeon about the use of silvadene cream to help get them closed.

Dr Corbin

3.5 weeks post-op breast lift with implants. My right breast has been draining from these spots, any advice? (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Wound opening

Answer: Wound opening

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Everything you need to know about Breast Lift with Implants

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3.5 weeks post-op breast lift with implants. My right breast has been draining from these spots, any advice? (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Wound opening

Answer: Wound opening

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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.