Why would I be having an allergic reaction after a breast reduction?

Question

I'm on my 3rd post op day from having my breast reduction and I've recently noticed that I feel as if I'm having an allergic reaction around my dressing which consists of gauze absorbent pads and a tube top given to me by my surgeon to hold the dressings in place. My skins is red and itchy and has bumps. Should I be concerned and how do I fix this problem?

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question, and I am sorry to hear about your symptoms.  It is possible that you are having an allergic reaction, and it is important to communicate this with your surgeon.  Importantly, it does not sound as if its a dangerous allergic reaction- those that involve throat or tongue swelling, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, lightheadedness, difficulty breathing, and a weak/rapid pulse.  This type of allergic reaction requires immediate medical attention.  Your symptoms appear to be more of a localized allergic reaction, or irritation, and reasons for this can be numerous: the soap used to sterilize your skin during surgery; any bandages, tapes, or glue affixed to your skin; the fabric of your tube top; movement of the gauze rubbing your skin; any scratching of the incisions, etc.  These seem more likely reasons, especially if you are having similar symptoms with both breasts.  Though redness is not atypical after surgery, you also want to make sure it is not an infection taking place, though this is less likely if both breasts are affected.Speak with your surgeon, they will be able to best guide you on treating your symptoms

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi, yes you should be concerned and go see your surgeon as soon as possible. It is difficult to determine what you are having an allergy too and only your surgeon can help you sort that out. In the meantime, you want to reduce your skin irritation during this healing process. Taking benadryl will help and I would remove all the dressings to get rid of the irritant. #BreastReduction #PlasticSurgery #AllergiesToDressings

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

It is not unusual to have redness from the dressings.  This is either from sensitivity to the tapes or the latex in the bandeau.  I would contact the surgeon to have the dressings removed and the allergy treated.

Barbara Jemec, MD, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Remove the dressing and see your surgeon or your General Practitioner asap.It must be hell under those dressings if it is really an allergy as it will be very itchy.Take an anti-histamin to ease the itch and the allergy if you are waiting to see your doctor.Dressings are there to protect the wound, but they need to be changed if they are causing you an allergic reaction.Good luck

Mark A. Schusterman, MD, FACS · Answer

You may be having an allergic reaction to one of the many things: antibiotic ointment, skin tape or glue, or the antimicrobial skin prep.  Check with your doctor.  A mild steroid cream should help.

Why would I be having an allergic reaction after a breast reduction?

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Why would I be having an allergic reaction after a breast reduction?

Answers (6)

Answer: Allergy?

Answer: Allergy?

Answer: Skin allergy after Breast Surgery

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