Open incision with yellow/orange fluid coming out. What do I do?

Question

My surgeons office is closed until Monday. My nurse took off my steri-strips last Friday because she thought that they had been on for too long. Ever since then there has been yellow/orange fluid coming out of the open wound. It's freaking me out and I'm afraid of poor healing! I had a unilateral breast lift on May 02, 2017.

Eric Schaffer, MD, FACS · Answer

Typically yellow/orange fluid coming from an incision is usually normal healing. It appears from the picture that you are healing well as there is not excessive redness, swelling and you are not reporting increased discomfort or fever.  Always call your Doctors office if you have a concern regarding your health.

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

This does not appear serious and should heal but let your doctor know what is going on with your breast.

Daniel Krochmal, MD, FACS · Answer

Even if the office is closed, there should always be a way for you to contact your surgeon (or somebody else at the office to direct your care).  I would contact the office.Best,Dr. Dan KrochmalMAE Plastic SurgeryNorthbrook, IL

Talmage J. Raine, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

This scenario is very common and there appears to be no infection of any significance based on your description and the picture. Stop freaking out, but speak to and see your surgeon soon.
All the best,
Talmage Raine MD

Open incision with yellow/orange fluid coming out. What do I do?

Answers (4)