Is yellow fluid (puss?) normal around lower incision of breast lift? (Photo)

Question

I'm two weeks post op of my breast aug and have been having a yellow discharge, a little pinkish mixed in, for the last 4 days. I've been cleaning the area daily w water and warm cloth then topping w antibiotic ointment @ recovering w gauze. Is this normal? I would ask my PS but due to his "personal issues" has conviently been unavailable even tho I actually scheduled my follow up for 2 days after surgery before the aug was done. I'm very concerned, any help would give some peace of mind!

Michael Dobryansky, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and the photos. Not all yellow fluid is pus just like not all red fluid is blood. Other signs of infection are warmth, redness, pain, fevers and, obviously, drainage. These should all be considered together on one clinical context. After looking at your photos, I don't see any redness and the drainage appears to be from the steri strips that look like they have been in place for several days. At this point I would wash the area with soap and water. However, I would advise you to call your surgeon's office and ask for advice. You may be instructed to come in so that your surgeon can take a look at your incisions. Good luck!

Amy Simon, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question
regarding the appearance after your breast lift surgery.  I would advise
you to get with your board-certified plastic surgeon immediately for evaluation
as it is almost impossible to tell from photos.  Hope this is
helpful.  Best of luck!

Brian A. Pinsky, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thanks for your question.  It appears that you have had a combined breast augmentation and breast lift. The intersection of the "T" point of the scar is the area most prone to healing difficulties with this technique.  If the surrounding skin is not red and swollen no fevers, and there is no odor associated with the drainage, it is likely liquefied fat (fat necrosis) and not pus, which does happen sometimes.  Fat necrosis will usually resolve with time and wound care as you are doing.    However, since there is an implant close by, I do recommend that you are seen in follow up ASAP to determine if antibiotics or other intervention is needed.  Good luck!

James Shoukas, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about your problems. The short answer to your question is no; that is not entirely normal. You really need to be seen by your operative plastic surgeon. If he cannot see you he should have somebody covering for him while he is unavailable. Best of luck.

Is yellow fluid (puss?) normal around lower incision of breast lift? (Photo)

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