Had breast lift 14 days ago and am increasingly oozing fluid from the crease beneath right breast. Is this an infection? (photo)

Question

I called the office and they stated it was fine but the fact that the amount of discharge is increasing and not decreasing is concerning me. I do have implants from a previous augmentation and lift but it was just a lift this time around. I've attached a photo of the gauze that gives an indication of the type of fluid that is coming out. Does this look like serous fluid or an infection?

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.
  
I would recommend that you discuss this question with your surgeon as every surgeon has their own respective post op protocol for his/her patients.  Your surgeon is your best resource as he/she is most familiar with your medical history and how you are healing at this time.
  
The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.
  
Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.
  
Best of luck!
  
Dr. Schwartz
  
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
  
#RealSelf100Surgeon

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Any discharge at this point should be examined by your surgeon, especially if it’s accompanied by redness, tenderness, malodor and warmth (common signs of an infection).

Austin Hayes, MD · Answer

It's difficult to say without examining you in person. I would contact your physician's office for an in person examination. It is not uncommon to have small open areas after a breast lift procedure, but it is important to make sure that there is no sign of infection and that you are instructed how to properly care for these draining areas.

Urmen Desai, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

I recommend an in-office examination as well as a detailed discussion with a surgeon who you are comfortable with.   Finally, make sure your surgeon is a Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS), a member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).Best,Dr. DesaiBeverly Hills Institute for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryHarvard Educated, Beverly Hills & Miami Beach TrainedDouble Board-Certified Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Anita Patel, MD, FACS · Answer

If the drainage is clear yellow, that is consistent with serous fluid. If the drainage is cloudy greenish fluid, then it is more consistent with an infection, especially if it has an odor. Either way, you should see your surgeon right away for diagnosis and possible treatment. The amount of drainage should not be increasing, so your surgeon should evaluate and see if there is  need to drain a seroma or drain an infection.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. You should be evaluated by your surgeon immediately.  This needs to be carefully examined since you have an implant in place, which can become infected.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear KimberlySue23,based on your photo, it looks like your gauze is greenish so that might be a sign of an infection. However, it is hard to tell without an examination. I would suggest you to consult your plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Justin B. Maxhimer, MD, FACS · Answer

Any drainage after surgery should be seen by your surgeon in person.  It can be anything from benign seroma fluid to a developing infection.  Express your concern to your surgeon and ask to be seen.

Lisa Cassileth, MD, FACS · Answer

In your case, I really don't like green colored discharge. It's usually pseudomonas (a bacteria). If you have an implant in there, this is an emergency, as it need to be washed up and drained if necessary as determined by your surgeon before you contaminate your implant. If no implant, still go in and get it checked out. Your surgeon may want to start cipro or levoquin which usually cover this bacteria. Even small openings or drainages should be handled by seeing your doctor frequently as you don't want a compromise in your aesthetic results.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

will lead to discharge and drainage and if superficial, it should heal.  But if you have sinuses with gobs of oozing, spreading redness, more pains, or fevers, you really need to see your surgeon for management of this.

Had breast lift 14 days ago and am increasingly oozing fluid from the crease beneath right breast. Is this an infection? (photo)

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