9 days post op, small amount if fluid leaking around incision. Is this normal? (photos)

Question

I am 9 days post op from a breast augmentation with a benelli lift. Noticed last night that there is a very small area under my steri-strips that is leaking a very small amount of loose yellow fluid with a hint of red in it. Is this normal? Should I be concerned? The incision does not hurt, and all the other incisions feel great other than itching. It's hard for to tell if there is any redness because the steri-strips have been in place since the surgery.

Paul W. Papillion, MD · Answer

Hello, in general some fluid is expected. If you have any concerns I would contact your surgeon so that they can check to wound and provide better information. Good luck.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question and photos. Since there has been a change in your #post #operative healing, I suggest you alert your #BCPS and request an #in-person #evaluation. An in-person evaluation will be best to determine what the #optimal #treatment plan will be to provide improved healing. Best Wishes!

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.Since there has been a change in your post op course, please contact your plastic surgeon so he/she can examine you and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan 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 breast surgery.Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Board
Certified Plastic Surgeon

Director-Beverly
Hills Breast and Body Institute

#RealSelf100Surgeon

Bhupesh Vasisht, MD · Answer

What you are looking at is small drainage as the wound heals.  This is not concerning at this stage.  If this get worse or increases in amount then have your surgeon take a look.  This is just debris of the wound healing process and should not pose a problem for you as you continue to heal.  Good luck. Hope this helps.Dr Vasisht

Jeffrey Umansky, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and photos.  It looks like everything is healing fine and a little yellow fluid is not uncommon.  If you develop redness, greater warmth in the area, fever, then I would call your surgeon right away.  If you are not sure, you should be examined by your surgeon.  Good luck!

Richard Wellington Swift, MD · Answer

Thank you for posting your post operative photos with your interesting questions. Drainage and redness, 9 days after surgery, may indicate that you have a wound infection that requires immediate antibiotic treatment. Sometimes it is just serous fluid. I strongly recommend that you follow up, in person, with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, who performed your Benelli breast lift, to determine if you require antibiotics. Best wishes, Dr. Richard Swift

Julio Clavijo-Alvarez, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on your procedure and thanks
for sharing your question. I can appreciate your concern.Yes some fluid is normal from the incision if clear and non odorous. Finally, make sure that your doctor is
aware of your process. He should be able to guide you best in your care.Wishing you the best in your journey

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

With some drainage fro the incision, this can represent many different things. The best way to evaluate this properly is to see you in person.

Sanjiv Kayastha, MD · Answer

The drainage you describe is not unusual. It is always best to discuss any and all concerns in the post operative period with your surgeon.

Keith Denkler, MD · Answer

The small amount of fluid seems OK for you healing.You can check with your plastic surgeon but the good news is the drainage seems scant and should be fine.

9 days post op, small amount if fluid leaking around incision. Is this normal? (photos)

Answers (12)