Does my incision look infected? Why is it purple? (Photo)

Question

I've been having issues with my T incision. My PS doesn't seem to be concerned. He said it is probably not an infection but will put me on antibiotics if it makes me feel better. The incision looks purple. I have a follow up appointment on Friday. I am 3 weeks post op.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

Your wound does not appear to be infected but did have some minor wound separation.  This can happen and is usually easy taken care of by daily cleaning the area and dressing it.  The tissues will slowly heal and close the area over 3-4 weeks.  The scar in this area may be more purple than the other areas of scar because the wound had to slowly close on it's own, but this will also fade over 9-12 months.  Follow up with your plastic surgeon so it can be monitored.

Daniel Krochmal, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you very much for your question.It appears as though you have small areas of wound separation, but it doesn't appear to be infected.  I would continue to follow with your surgeon.  They may want to do some simple debridement to get rid of the unhealthy tissue, or recommend a wound care regimen to speed the healing process.  Best of luck!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It is hard to say from the photo, but what I can see is a minor wound breakdown. You should address this with your surgeon.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on having undergone the breast reduction procedure.  Unfortunately, these types of delayed healing problems are not uncommonly encountered, especially at the "T junctions". These wounds go on to heal through a process of contraction where the tissues heal from the sides towards the center of the wound;  this process usually takes several weeks to occur, depending on the size of the wound. Occasionally, removal of unhealthy tissue (debridement) and/or removal of exposed sutures, may expedite the healing process.  The areas that are "purple" represent blood vessels supplying the healing area.Best wishes;  despite the separation/wound it is most likely that you will be pleased with the longer-term outcome of the procedure.

Jeremy S. Hurren, BSc, MBBS, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

Thank you for your question and photographs.Your PS does not seam concerned which is reassuring.This looks like there has been some wound separation and it is a little sloughy. This is not uncommon. It does not necessarily look infected. One can not be entirely sure from a photograph and you should rely on the medical opinion of someone who has examined you in person. However, my impression is that this is not infected and I would not normally treat this appearance with antibiotics unless there were other symptoms of infection.The danger with using antibiotics when it is not infected is that it will encourage the wound to become colonised with antibiotic resistant bacteria. If you then get an infection it will be more difficult to treat.I anticipate that this will heal without antibiotics but keep the situation under review and if in doubt see a doctor for further assessment.Good luck!

Does my incision look infected? Why is it purple? (Photo)

Answers (5)

More Breast Reduction Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (5)

More Breast Reduction Questions

DDD breasts and very low nipples. What are my options?

I have notice my nipples are always hard! Is this seen a lot ?

Would BCBS of GA cover a breast reduction?

I have 40M Breasts. At 21 years old, what should I do? Breast reduction, or possibly another problem? (Photo)

My currently wear 34G bra. Would I qualify for insurance coverage of breast reduction?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS