I'm 4 1/2 weeks post breast reduction. I have oozing at the incision, is this a stitch issue? (Photos)

Question

I am 4 1/2 weeks out from breast reduction. I have a wound at the t incision that is being taken care of with gauze packing twice/day. But this morning I woke up and about an inch to the right of that wound it’s oozing pretty good. Like you wipe it and in a secon there’s more coming out. Very thin liquid light yellow and pink. A very small spot. But the flesh above it looks red. No symptoms of infection. Feel fine (other than very frustrated). It’s saturday, I have an appt Monday. Ok to wait?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

These open wounds after a breast reduction are not uncommon just be patient and keep the area dry with gauze and it will heal in time. Continue to follow up with your PS.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear lbrutty,this type of wound is not uncommon after breast reduction. It is usually caused by poor blood flow. I would suggest you to consult your plastic surgeon, follow your surgeon's instructions and keep your wound clean and covered. It can take few weeks or months for wound to fully heal. Daniel Barrett, MD

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

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

Karl William Schwarz, MD · Answer

Your wound is not infected—the skin overlying the tissue has sloughed off and will eventually all heal in but you do not have a wound infection and the skin slough was not caused by an infection so it is ok to wait to see your surgeon on Monday.Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Member, Florida Medical Association

Liana M. Lugo, MD · Answer

Hi! Thank you for your question and for your pictures. Wound dehiscence is common in the inverted T zone. Looking at your pictures, it doesn't look infected. If it looks different than before, then please inform your surgeon. Otherwise all you need is good wound care and patience. It will take weeks but it usually heals just fine. Good luck!

I'm 4 1/2 weeks post breast reduction. I have oozing at the incision, is this a stitch issue? (Photos)

Answers (4)