Allergy to adhesives 11 days out after breast reduction, what can I do?

Your symptoms sound like an allergy to adhesive. An important point is the causative agent whether that is the glue from the steri-strips, a skin prep such as mastosol that might have been applied prior to the placement of the stern-strips needs to be removed. Acetone can be useful to remove the adhesive, if there are open wounds or skin the acetone with burn so be careful. After the causative agent is removed, topical steroids will help calm this down. We would usually use a very strong steroid for 2-3 days and then transition to a medium strength steroid. Seeing a board certified dermatologist might also be useful. Hope this helps. 

Your PS has provided all of the options I would have.  If your have not seen a board certified dermatologist, you might schedule a consultation.  In some instances, hypersensitivities to adhesives can take weeks to resolve on their own.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA 

Hello and thanks for the question!It appears you are having an allergic reaction, which is not uncommon.  Contact your surgeon for his/her recommendations. Best of luck!

Dear ocean2334,based on your photos, it looks like an allergic reaction. Regarding the next step, every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.Daniel Barrett, MD

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

By your pictures it looks like a contact dermatitis.  I would definitely see your plastic surgeon so you can be evaluated.  I would start an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream in the meantime.  Every physician has their own protocol for these type of reactions.  Timothy A. Janiga MD, FACS

The pattern is very symmetrical on both sides.  It could be the gauze or bandage that is against your skin, or the bra.  It's also possible that it will just take time to resolve.  Type IV hypersensitivities can take weeks to resolve.  As long as the offending agent is off your skin it should get better.  Ask if you were washed with cholorprep soap at the hospital.  This is very commonly used but very rough on skin and many patients allergic.  Soap and water and wear a white cotton tshirt under the bra.  If you aren't seeing a dermatologist in addition to your surgeon, ask to see one.  The more specialists helping you, the better.  Watch the steroid cream as well.  You may be allergic to that, rare, but happens.   Be sure the bra is  not the problem.  Good luck to you.!

Hi and welcome to our forum!
The photographs appear to demonstrate a rather well demarcated area of intense inflammation in an almost symmetric pattern at each breast, extending a distance from where the steristrips were likely placed. Was anything else applied to the area?  Any creams or ointments? 
In our practice, we deal with topical allergic phenomena in a similar manner as you have been treated. If all conservative measures fail, we next employ high dose oral corticosteroids with a tapering dose for a period of several weeks.
Continue close followup care with your plastic surgeon.
Best wishes...