Is my transaxillary incision infected 12 days post BA? Is it ok for it to be opened? Advice? (photos)

Hi texasgal123,

I understand your concern. Based on your photos, your incision site does not appear to be infected. Always remember to follow your plastic surgeon's post operative wound care management instructions.

If you are concerned, it is best that you visit your plastic surgeon to have yourself properly assessed. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.

Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery

Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery

Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Thanks for your inquiry and pictures.  From the pictures it is hard to advise, an exam would be better.  I suggest you call your surgeon to be evaluated.  

Usually with wound infections there will be associated and surrounding redness, tenderness, and swelling.  Based on the photos provided, there does not appear to be any of those signs and you seem to have normal healing wounds.  That being said, I cannot appreciate the openings you are describing nor the material that is expressed out of them.  Your best resource is still your own plastic surgeon and his/her staff.  Hope this helps!

Congratulations on your recent surgery and thank you for sharing your question about your post operative recovery and results after your surgery.  Final results can take 6-12 months for all the swelling to subside.  At our office we actually see all of our surgery patients the very next day after surgery and then again at two weeks and beyond. We enjoy staying closely connected to our patients and enjoy giving the extra attention and service. Your concerns are important to discuss directly with your board certified plastic surgeon.  He or she will appreciate the open communication and will want to help you. I hope this is helpful and wish you all the very best.  Sincerely, Brian S. Coan, MD, FACS