Blister secreting, is this normal after a breast reduction? (Photos)

Question

I really need some help, I've recently had a breast reduction I'm 5 days post op and noticed this blister like wound near my t zone incision and my surgeons office is closed today and tomorrow. This blister has been secreting red and orange like blood with virtually no pain but I'm worried it looks like it's gotten bigger. could it be the bra that I'm wearing is too tight? Should l be applying a cream of some type? So far I've been placing gauze in my bra on the wound.

Edwin C. Pound, III, MD · Answer

The blister could be a reaction to the steri-strips or it could be an indication of poor blood supply to the area at the "T" junction.  There are things that can be done, however, I would recommend that your plastic surgeon attend to this.  Surely someone is covering his practice while he is away.  If not, I am appalled.  I would recommend that you go to the emergency room to have a professional look at this if you can't reach anyone at your plastic surgeon's office.

Kim Taylor, FRACS · Answer

The blisters in the area where you have shown are a sign of some compromise to the blood supply to that area.  It is not uncommon.  The fluid appears normal for a blister.  Wearing some gauze is quite reasonable.  If your tapes are very tight then removing some of them sometimes helps too.  See your surgeon when they are available & have the area assessed.  Time will tell whether it will heal rapidly or take a bit longer.  Take care

Kyle Shaddix, MD · Answer

The T junction where the vertical and horizontal incisions meet can be a slower area to heal.  However, I'm not sure that is what is going on.  The blister is likely from the steri strips.  As your breasts swell postop, the skin around the incision under the steri strip can get pulled on.  This results in a blister.  From your photo, I don't see any infection.  The blister itself will take care of itself.  It may burst and drain quite a bit more of the orange fluid.  But that is fine.  I would keep the steri strips in placed.  I would not put any ointments on it.  Keeping some gauze in your bra is a good thing more to protect your clothing than the blister.  It will fix itself.  Once it heals, there will probably be a dark spot on the skin there for several months, but that too will fix itself and lighten.  Do let your surgeon know what's going on when his or her office opens, but I don't see this as an emergency.  At least not from the photos.  I hope that helps.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

DO NOT SELF TREAT! Either lave an urgent message at your chosen operative surgeon's office to call you back or go the closest ER for care. This needs medical intervention.

Blister secreting, is this normal after a breast reduction? (Photos)

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Answer: Blister secreting, is this normal after a breast reduction?

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Blister secreting, is this normal after a breast reduction? (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Blister secreting, is this normal after a breast reduction?

Answer: Blister secreting, is this normal after a breast reduction?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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