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Do I have skin necrosis or just feel bruising? (Photo)

cherryann0916Feb 14, 2016
8 days ago I had a BL mastectomy with TE expanders. I got home the next day and had deep purple bruising just like the picture. 8 days later nothing has changed except for the development of tiny white puss pimples. My PS said he did not know what it was. I made them swab one but wont have lab results back for two more days. The bruise has not grown. PS has me on another round of antibiotics after he saw my breast. No fever. And I have no feeling in that skin area due to surgery. What is this?

Answers (4)

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Michael S. Beckenstein, MD profile photo
Dr. Michael S. Beckenstein, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
4.8 | 32 Reviews
Answered on Feb 20, 2016
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Lewis Albert Andres, MD profile photo
Dr. Lewis Albert Andres, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
4.9 | 48 Reviews
Answered on Feb 28, 2016
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Dr. Steven Wallach, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answered on Feb 16, 2016
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Dr. Robert Whitfield, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answered on Feb 16, 2016
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Michael S. Beckenstein, MD

You have full thickness skin loss that requires attention. Depending on the skin laxity, it can be excised and closed, debrided and skin grafted, or a latissimus flap reconstruction. Sometimes it can be observed and see how it heals, but this risks infection, implant exposure and poor scarring.

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Cindy Wu, MD

Thank you Verdie for your questions.  Initially after a lumpectomy of that size, the defect may fill in with fluid, which initially may give your breast a normal contour.  However, over time, this fluid gets absorbed by your body, resulting in contour deformities, and possible nipple...

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Tal T. Roudner, MD, FACS

I would highly recommend you speak to your doctor about your concerns about a possible infection prior to taking the antibiotics. Antibiotic use can increase the resistance of bacteria and make then less effective when needed.Good luck!

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