Is this an infection post breast reduction? (Photo)

Question

I am almost three weeks post breast reduction and had an appointment yesterday for follow-up. He removed the few stitches I had and I told him that the scab on the incision under my breast has been oozing a tiny bit of gooey matter. He didn't feel it was an issue. Today the scab came off and it looks worse and area is slightly red. I called my doctor and was told to use bacitracin and cover with nonstick gauze. Is this something I should have him actually look at or is it just from the scab coming off?

Aisha White, MD · Answer

It appears that you have developed some wound dehiscence to your incisions. This is common with this surgery and typically will heal well with appropriate wound care. Follow instructions from your surgeon and be sure to contact the office if symptoms worsen.

Ziyad Hammoudeh, MD · Answer

The area of a breast reduction where the vertical incision meets the horizontal incision is known as the T-junction.  The blood supply is least robust at the T-junction, and thus wound healing issues in this region are not uncommon.  It appears that you have had a minor breakdown at the T-junction with fibrinous tissue in the wound base.  The skin edges have mild redness, but there are no overt signs of infection evident from the photo.  This will typically heal without a problem over several weeks with dressing changes.  There are signs of infection that you should keep an eye out for such as fever, increased heart rate, worsened redness, warmth of the surrounding skin, and pus draining from the wound.  I would recommend close follow-up with your surgeon to express your concerns and allow for continued postoperative care.  Good communication between patient and surgeon is very important both before and after surgery.  Best of luck.
Ziyad Hammoudeh, MD

Robert B. Louton, MD · Answer

It is very common to see skin separation at the inverted T in breast reductions and lifts.  This is the point of maximum tension and it can stress the skin and closure.  You should definitely follow closely with your PS to prevent infection and ensure best possible resolution of this minor complication.  Typically by 3 months areas of separation are closed.
I hope this helps.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon for a person who had a "T closure to have some separation of the incision site. Often this goes on to heal with local wound care, but you should follow closely with your surgeon.

Is this an infection post breast reduction? (Photo)

Answers (4)

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