What is White Substance after Breast Augmentation? Am I Healing Correctly?

Question

I had breast augmentation four weeks ago. At 10 days I noticed I had drainage on my left incision point. I took off the bandage and saw a small opening and white stuff. I returned to the doctor 3 weeks after this and he said it was tissue and prescribed me augmentin. He then removed the tissue. Approximately 3-4 days later the substance came back. I'm now on drumtrin b.s and was told to apply neosporn daily. What are the chances of healing at this point? Why is this happening? Any suggestions

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

You noticed drainage from your incision 10 days after surgery, but did not see your doctor until 3 weeks after surgery. What happened during this time? Did your incision continue to drain for 11 more days until you returned for recheck?

	I am always concerned that if a breast augmentation incision drains fluid out, then bacteria can use this tract to "get in." If the fluid tract actually communicates with the implant pocket, then the implant can become contaminated or infected. In my experience, no amount or strength of antibiotics can "cure" an infected implant (including referral to infectious disease specialists and IV antibiotics.) If this is the case, every plastic surgeon is forced to "bite the bullet" and tell their patient that the implant has to come out, the contamination or infection be resolved, and the scar tissue allowed to soften and heal before replacing the implant. This can take weeks or even months. NOW you know why it is such a hard thing for your surgeon to admit there may be a (serious) problem here.

	On the other hand, a simple drop or two of drainage from an incision that heals slowly or incompletely as the sutures dissolve may easily and prudently be treated with antibiotics, this should resolve it promptly. The fact that you are online asking about something that is now 4 weeks and counting is concerning.

	Side note: do not use Neosporin--it contains Neomycin, which causes allergic reactions in 10% of individuals who apply it on a continuing basis. This can cause skin breakdown and continued weeping. Use careful cleansing with soap and water, and if you must apply anything, use Bacitracin. Good luck.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

During this time of your recovery, it sounds like you are experiencing some wound healing issues. It is in your best interest for you to follow all post-op instructions from your board certified plastic surgeon to ensure the best results possible. Make sure to watch for any signs of infection, including, fever, chills, abnormal swelling, or redness. Consult with your surgeon to address any further issues or concerns. Take care!

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

Any opening of the incision after breast augmentation should be of concern as this gives a potential opening for an infection to involve the implant.  Close follow up with your surgeon is mandatory so the situation can be followed and a serious problem, ie infection, avoided.  It sounds like you are being treated with antibiotics and wound care is being done.  Be sure to visit your surgeon frequently until full resolution of this problem.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Difficult to say without pictures.  If you are having white discharge after breast augmentation then the first thing to consider is infection.  It sounds like your surgeon has and the antibiotics where not has helpful. You may need to have this discharge analyzed to see what type of bacteria are present if any.  Continue to follow up with your surgeon so that this situation is closely monitored.

	Dr. ES

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

It sounds as if your surgeon is concerned about exposed and possibly dead tissue as well as preventing infection of the implant. It is otherwise impossibtle to tell online.

What is White Substance after Breast Augmentation? Am I Healing Correctly?

Answers (10)

Answer: Drainage after Breast Augmentation

Answer: Drainage after Breast Augmentation

Answer: White tissue coming from breast implant infection

Answer: White tissue coming from breast implant infection

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

What is White Substance after Breast Augmentation? Am I Healing Correctly?

Answers (10)

Answer: Drainage after Breast Augmentation

Answer: Drainage after Breast Augmentation

Answer: White tissue coming from breast implant infection

Answer: White tissue coming from breast implant infection

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.