Is this normal? Pus at T junction: Is there anything I can do before I see my doctor? (Photos)

Question

I have this opening at the inverted T and it started dark red, but has started getting greener over a few days with a small amount of discharge. I saw my surgeon a few days ago and it seems to have become more pus filled. The doctor said to put dry dressings on and change it three times a day. The tape has caused a really painful burn. I have Neosporin on it now, but it's so painful that it hurts to wear my bra. Is there anything I can do for either problems before I see my doctor this week?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear ilovepizza,this is not that uncommon after breast lift. You should make sure to keep your wound clean. I would suggest you to follow your surgeon's instructions, so use clean dry dressing and Neosporin. Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about your concerns after breast surgery. The T junction area, after breast reduction surgery, can be  relatively problematic.  This area is prone to diminished blood flow and/or separation, related to the breast incisions and tension in the area.  Drainage is commonly seen in the area.
  Your plastic surgeon will be your best resource when it comes to accurate assessment and advice.  Hopefully you can see him/her soon. Sometimes removal of a exposed suture and/or removal of any unhealthy tissue will expedite healing.Until then, keep the area covered with a sterile dressing (I recommend the use of non stick dressings covered by a sterile pad in order to avoid further tape irritation ).  You should have peace of mind that these types of wound healing problems generally go on to heal over the course of the next several weeks, often without long-term sequelae. Also important to concentrate on a healthy diet, including good protein source.  Sometimes (depending on the width of the open wound and the appearance of the scar in the longer term), scar revision surgery may be helpful down the line. Best wishes.

Tim Sayed, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Your surgeon is the best judge as to whether the material being expressed on the dressings is actually pus, or just the mix of fatty tissue and proteinaceous material that gets sloughed through an open wound that has some delayed healing. Slow healing and partial separation at the inverted T location is not uncommon - this is the most likely place to have a healing issue after breast reduction. If you think there is worsening fluid material, redness, fever, pain or a more purulent character to the fluid then you may wish to be seen before your regularly scheduled followup appointment.

Chad Robbins, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photo's.  This is not unusual at this junction after breast reductions.  It's a high tension area and tend to open .  The green color drainage is most likely fat necrosis and will eventually close up and stop draining.

Is this normal? Pus at T junction: Is there anything I can do before I see my doctor? (Photos)

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Answer: Is this normal? Pus at T junction: Is there anything I can do before I see my doctor? (Photos)

Answer: Is this normal? Pus at T junction: Is there anything I can do before I see my doctor? (Photos)

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Is this normal? Pus at T junction: Is there anything I can do before I see my doctor? (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Is this normal? Pus at T junction: Is there anything I can do before I see my doctor? (Photos)

Answer: Is this normal? Pus at T junction: Is there anything I can do before I see my doctor? (Photos)

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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