Water/Watery blood comes out of my stitches after three weeks from breast augmentation. Is this normal?

Question

It is not pus, does not smell bad. My breasts are the same size, no hardness, normal color. However, this watery blood just wont stop flowing since 5 days ago. I talked to my surgeon, she put reinforcement stitches in the area where it initially started but now it started from another area. She said it was normal from water/blook that did not come out with the drainage and it needed a way out but I am worried since three weeks have already passed

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

some clear odorless drainage with out redness, swelling and fever probably is some serum that is leaking out or dissolving stitches just under the skin. They are common symptoms of recovery following a procedure. Three weeks post-op, these signs are normal. If you are concerned about it, keep your surgeon updated and have him prescribe for you a proper antibiotic ointment that will help your wound heal.

Robert Drielsma, MBBS, BSc, FRACS · Answer

Fluid can collect around your implants after augmentation.  Usually this fluid is absorbed into the body.  In your case it is draining.  You need to continue following your surgeons post operative guidelines closely and keep them updated regarding your progress especially if you notice any changes or develop redness, tenderness or a fever.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

This could represent seroma fluid, but difficult to say without an exam.. Best to follow closely with your surgeon.

Deborah Ekstrom, MD · Answer

Some patients can have some drainage from the blood tinged fluid that develops after breats augmentation. Usually it gets reabsorbed by your body but sometimes it wants to open the sutures and drain out externally. You can try to resuture and keep it inside and let the body absorb it, let it ooz over a period naturally and protect with antibiotics, or put in some numbing medicine, open the wound, drain it out, and re-suture.  There is no particular right way.The biggest risk is bacteria going up into the wound where the scar separates, so an protective antibiotic can be helpful.Keep your surgeon informed of your progress so she can take action if any is needed.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Early on, fluid may accumulate around the implant as you are healing. Yours is leaking out instead of absorbing. With this drainage is an increased risk of infection. Please follow closely with your surgeon.

Water/Watery blood comes out of my stitches after three weeks from breast augmentation. Is this normal?

Answers (5)