Is my incision infected? Breast augmentation 5 weeks post op (Photo)

Question

I am 5 weeks post op and I noticed some scant blood tinged drainage from a spot on my incision. What are the chances that my implant will also be infected?

Mark A. Schusterman, MD, FACS · Answer

It appears that you have a minor local wound problem called a stitch abcess: one of your buried sutures in popping through the skin.  See your plastic surgeon for advice and/or treatment.  Good luck

Christian Subbio, MD · Answer

From the picture alone, it seems to be a dissolvable stitch which has worked its way to the surface.  At least from the picture, there does not appear to be an infection.  However, you must see your plastic surgeon because the only way to say for sure is with a physical exam.  Call their office today and set up an appointment and voice your concerns.Best of luck!Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

John Paul Tutela, MD · Answer

Thanks for reaching out.  At this point during your recovery process your incisions should be well healed.  Likely you have a suture that is being spit out.  If it was infected you would be more red and in more pain.  That being said a spitting suture can definitely get infected. It is really important that you go see you surgeon right away so he can evaluate you in person.I hope this helps :)

Stuart A. Linder, MD, FACS · Answer

Hopefully, the small amount of fluid is blood serous fluid. Seek attention of your board certified plastic surgeon as soon as possible.

Nana N. Mizuguchi, MD, FACS · Answer

It is rare on healthy young women to get any kind of an infection after breast augmentation.  I agree with below that it is most likely suture related.  Go and see your surgeon and they can evaluate your incision.Best Wishes,Nana Mizuguchi, MD

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It looks like you may have had a stitch abscess. Often this goes on to heal with local wound care.  If you think it is more than that, then you should see your surgeon.

Benjamin J. Cousins, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and photograph as well as the discussion. It is best to see you plastic surgeon for an exam and check up. There could be a few things that may cause the scant blood tinged drainage from a specific area on your incision, likely a dissolvable suture working its way out to the surface. Best to check up with your plastic surgeon.Benjamin J. Cousins MDBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Erik Hoy, MD · Answer

The limited photo provided doesn't show much.  At 5 weeks, most patients' scars are well healed after augmentation, and starting to begin to mature.  The most likely explanation is a spitting suture, but this is a situation in which you want to return to your surgeon as soon as possible to get his or her recommendations immediately.  --Erik Hoy, MD

Christian N. Ford, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and for sharing your postoperative photograph.  Based on your photograph, your incision appears to be healing well.  What you are describing is most likely related to a spitting suture.  In your photograph it appears that there might be a small amount of suture material that can be snipped by your plastic surgeon.  A spitting suture is common.  It is unlikely that this would cause infection of your implant.  I would advise you to see your plastic surgeon for an in-person examination to best address your concerns and to determine the best course of action.  Best wishes!

Peter J. Capizzi, MD · Answer

I would recommend seeing your plastic surgeon, but by photo alone it appears that your incision is immature, red, and the area where a suture knot would be (the end) is slightly more red.  This would be normal for a scar that is 5 weeks old.

Is my incision infected? Breast augmentation 5 weeks post op (Photo)

Answers (13)

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