Dermatitis after Breast Augmentation. (photos)

Question

Surgery on Jan 14,2014. Noticed Dermatits starting around day 7 post op...I think..I am now 16 days post and it has spread down my ribs, abdomen, under my breasts, and now on top of my right breast. Using hydrocortisone cream 1% daily and Bacitracin ointment daily. It still itches horribly. Is there anything else you would recommend?

Robert Frank, MD · Answer

I assume from your use of the term "dermatitis" that you have a medical background or have seen your doctor. Typically these are what we call contact dermatitis meaning that something came in contract with your skin to cause the reaction. They differ from a systemic dermatitis which would be all over your body and might be the result of a drug you were given either by mouth or IV during your procedure. Likely culprits include prep solution which can cause a reaction and can be very drying,  drapes which are washed if non-disposable and which have an adhesive on them if disposable, and dressings which are often applied with tape or adhesives..The best thing for all these is to stop contact with them (DONE) and to get them off your skin. I would suggest you bathe with a gentle hypoallergenic soap and try to lay off the steroid cream. Steroids are great for stopping the itch but they also slow wound healing...something that won't help you right now. If the itching persists, some benedryl would be fine, though sedating. Either way, it should start improving soon. Good luck.

Robert Whitfield, MD · Answer

See or surgeon and if that doesn't work a dermatologist will help!Please find an experienced Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and member of the Aesthetic Society using the Smart Beauty Guide. These Plastic Surgeons can guide you on all aspects of facial surgery, breast augmentation and body procedures including tummy tucks or mommy makeovers!

James Apesos, MD · Answer

I am Dr. Apesos, also a
proud member of both the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the
American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS). I am also certified
with the American Board of Plastic Surgery. I f you are having a dermatologic
problem that your plastic surgeon cannot treat then you need to see a Dermatologist.  This is not possible to treat on line.  Since you have obviously showered since
surgery there sould be no relation between the surgery and this problem.

Hossein A. Najafi, MD · Answer

7 days postop rash is not usually as the result of what was applied to your body during surgery but most likely what has been applied since. The rash is more or less localized so a general systemic cause is unlikely. Though unrelated your photos show two distinct incisions but your periareolar one seems newer. So the rash around the inframammary scar is curious if indeed not new. You mentioned Bacitracin which usually does not cause a rash but Neosporin (in case you are using that) can. Also what you are wearing or the bras may be the cause. Last, but however unlikely, the culprit could be your implants themselves. Check with your surgeons who is the best judge of your case.

Dermatitis after Breast Augmentation. (photos)

Answers (4)

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