Areas where drain tubes are inserted are itchy. I'm 3 days post op. Is it an infection? (Photo)

Question

Tuberous breast reconstruction: Is this a sign of infection? The itching isn't persistent but originally wasn't itching me at all until the second night after, third day after surgery. Also, the left breast seems to have a little bit of bruising near the drain insertion site. Is that normal at all?

Anthony Deboni, MD · Answer

Thanks for your photo and question.  From the photo, your incisions and drain sites look fine.  Sometimes the prep used or the adhesive in the dressings can cause itching. obviously, the best person to answer your question is your surgeon.  Best Regards.

Robert Drielsma, MBBS, BSc, FRACS · Answer

From your photographs there doesn't appear to be any sign of infection but the only way to tell is with an in person consultation.  Itching is common and is often related to nerve healing or the tapes used during surgery.  Check with your surgeon.

Mennen T. Gallas, MD · Answer

Thank you for posting your photo and questions. Itching can be common and may be related to nerves, healing or allergy/ sensitivity to dressings with adhesives. I suggest that you follow-up with your operating surgeon and schedule an in person follow-up to err on the side of safety and rule out infection. Best of luck with your continued recovery,

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

KC,Thanks for the quiry and for the photos.  COngrats on having the surgery done.It is common to have itching after surgery.  Many times it is the nerves coming back on, tape allergies or to skin preps used during/after the surgery.  Bruising near a drain site is also common.From the photos, there does not seem to be any signs of infection, but the only way to be sure is to perform a physical examination.  You should call your Plastic surgeon and have them follow up.Best of luck with your recovery.Dr. T

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Itching can be related to healing, an allergic reaction to meds, or even the dressing adhesives.  I do not see anything specifically in your photo, but it is probably best to discuss this in person with your surgeon.

Keith Denkler, MD · Answer

From the photos it looks fine.Various issues can cause itching in the early recovery period.Likely it will improve when the drains come out.

Tom Tracey Gallaher, MD · Answer

Itching (pruritis) is usually a normal sign of healing along incision lines and drain exit sites.  If, however, there is an associated rash, you could be developing a contact dermatitis (skin allergic reaction) to adhesive or the antibiotic in the disc around your drain exit site.  Best to ask your surgeon if you should remove the disc / dressing to inspect the drain exit site.

Christine Sullivan, MD (retired) · Answer

It is important that you contact your board certified plastic surgeon with any post-operative questions that you have. Your surgeon will want to know if your have any concerns. Best of luck!

Areas where drain tubes are inserted are itchy. I'm 3 days post op. Is it an infection? (Photo)

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