Are my incisions infected? (Photos)

Question

So I’m 4WPO and everything has been going fine and recovery has been great. However, yesterday I noticed that one of my incisions has started to get a red mark around one corner and I’m terrified I have an infection! I’m not sure whether it’s just where the scab came off the other day and now it’s re-healing or if it’s where my sports bra might be rubbing it, HELP! My left side is healing perfectly, I’ve attached pictures below for comparison. Should I call the nurse?

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs. I see the area of concern and it is unclear if you have an infection.  If the redness is not expanding it is most likely due to friction or irritation from an external source.  The beginnings of a suture related issue also needs to be ruled out.  As this has been a change in your healing, best to see your surgeon for an in-person evaluation.  Best wishes.

Paul M. Parker, MD, FACS · Answer

A wound infection 4 weeks postop is unlikely but not impossible. Best advice is to forward these pics to your surgeon so they can evaluate them. We are proactive in our office in being sure that wounds heal well, particularly when they are close to a foreign object such as a breast implant.

Charles Nduka, MD · Answer

Based on your photos there is no visible sign of any infection. The most common symptoms of infection are fever and increased pain around the incision area.

Nick Masri, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on your breast augmentation surgery, lizharrietf!
Though a wound infection at this point is still a possibility, it’s hard to diagnose it based on your photos and description alone. The only symptom that you mentioned is redness, and you’re right - it may have a number of different causes, like skin irritation from your sports bra.
If you have a wound infection, look out for other signs and symptoms like increased pain, swelling, warmth, and fever. You should also be on the lookout for any pus draining from your incision site. 
Just to be sure, schedule a follow-up consultation with your plastic surgeon so he can evaluate your wound healing. Honestly, I wouldn’t be alarmed at this point, but it doesn’t hurt to be extra cautious.
Best of luck!

Are my incisions infected? (Photos)

Answers (4)

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