Foul smelling yellow/greenish pus coming from breast reduction surgical wound. Is this normal? (Photos)

Question

Hello Im a 24 year old female and I'm 31 days post opt from breast reduction reduction. Within the last week I have notice some stinging and sporadic pain that shoots through my left breast along with greenish/yellowish pus that smells horrible it comes out and leaks. I have not had any fevers. In the past I have suffered from hidradenitis suppurativa not sure that's connected. I'm just trying to see if this is normal?

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Appears as a wound edge fat necrosis complication that needs immediate in person care fro your surgeon.

Megan Jack, MD · Answer

Sometimes a little clear, yellow, or blood-tinged drainage can be normal but if there is any green color and/or malodor you should definitely set an appointment with your surgeon to assess your healing and to look for signs of possible infection.  The stinging/shooting pain may or may not be related to the drainage but could also be normal post-operative nerve regeneration.  Fortunately, your history of hidradenitis should not have any relation to your breast tissue itself.  It is always best if you have any concern or unusual symptom to see your surgeon as soon as possible so give them a call. In the meantime, most surgeons would likely recommend some gauze dressing changes to keep the site clean and as dry as possible until you see him/her.  Good luck!

Lawrence Bundrick, MD (retired) · Answer

You need to set up a follow up appointment with your surgeon asap so that he.she can advise you on wound care and possible infection. Any pus or foul smell could always be a sign of infection and it is best to have it seen to sooner than later.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Your incision is separating and you need to see your doctor asap for debridement to clean it up and to evaluate for deeper infection. There will be weeks to months of wound care required to heal once any infection is treated and any dead tissue is removed. It is urgent that you not delay on seeking care.

Foul smelling yellow/greenish pus coming from breast reduction surgical wound. Is this normal? (Photos)

Answers (4)

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