Is pus a sign of infection after op 4 weeks ago? (Photos)

Question

Scab fell off nipple 3 weeks post breast lift op. I had a breast lift on my right side almost 4 weeks ago. I have been healing well and put silicone strips to the scars, but yesterday when I pulled the strip off the scab came off too! In the pic you can see that there was abit off puss and it had a bad odour to it. On same boob I also felt a lump towards my armpit but dr thinks its trauma from surgery. Maybe they're connected? Today, it doesn’t look like there’s and the nurse told me all looks fine but isn’t pus a sign of infection?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello. Great question. Thank you for your pictures. Based on your images, it appears as there is no sign of infection. Keep following your surgeon's post op instructions. Good luck with your recovery.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

At this point please keep in contact with your surgeon and follow their care instructions closely. Although there may be no infection, it’s crucial to keep the area clean to prevent one from happening.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear  tjimenez1,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. Based on your photos, it looks like you have spitting sutures. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment. Only after thorough examination you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Suleyman Tas, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Hello and thank you for the provided photos. As we can observe from your photos it doesn't look like an infection. You had a sort of an injury that needs to be followed up by your surgeon. By the help of the prescribed creams it may be recovered soon. Take care.

Paul Banwell, BSc, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Thank you for your questionThis all looks very good indeed and I am sure you will be happy with your resultWhat you have here is a minor problem with suture spitting (a reaction to the underlying suture). I am sure your surgeon explained this but I think it will be fine and there is nothing to worry about. It is all part of the healing processHope this helpsGood luck

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

At this point from surgery, your "pus" may be enzymes trying to dissolve the sutures. It is common for this to happen between weeks 3 and 6. do keep it clean to not pick up an infection.

Matthew A. DelMauro, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question. (Keep in mind that an in-person consultation is necessary for the best advice.) I'm sorry to hear that you've had trouble after surgery. Wound healing issues are not uncommon. Sometimes wounds can have a fibrinous material on their surface (which can look a lot like pus but isn't). Local wound care is the treatment for wound healing issues. Be patient. and follow up with your plastic surgeon. Best of luck!
Matthew A. DelMauro, M.D.

Sherif Wilson, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

Infection usually happens in the first 2 weeks after an operation. From the photos, you can see that you a have a suture sinus ( suture spitting off the wound).
They do usually settle down on their own accord, you may need to see your PS for reassurance

Is pus a sign of infection after op 4 weeks ago? (Photos)

Answers (8)