Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a common procedure intended to alleviate physical symptoms associated with large breasts and improve proportionality. While the surgery has a high satisfaction rate, it is a major operation, and complications can occur during the recovery period. Infection at the surgical site is a potential complication that, although relatively infrequent—occurring in about 1% to 2% of cases—requires prompt attention from a medical professional. Recognizing the signs of an infection early is the first step in ensuring a successful and timely treatment process.
Identifying the Signs of Post-Surgical Infection
Immediately following surgery, some localized discomfort, swelling, and mild redness are expected as part of the body’s normal healing response. However, certain symptoms should be viewed as warnings that an infection may be developing, often appearing within the first one to three weeks after the procedure. A localized infection typically presents as increasing redness and warmth that spreads outward from the incision lines, rather than diminishing over time. The area may also feel unusually hot and exhibit swelling that continues to worsen.
Systemic symptoms, which affect the entire body, are particularly concerning and can indicate a more significant infection. These include the development of a fever, generally defined as a temperature above 100.4°F (38°C), and experiencing chills. The quality of any drainage from the surgical sites is also a significant indicator. Normal drainage is usually clear or slightly pink, but a change to thick, yellow, or green pus, especially if accompanied by a foul odor, strongly suggests a bacterial infection. Any pain that intensifies suddenly or persists despite taking prescribed pain medication requires immediate investigation.
Immediate Steps and Consulting Your Surgeon
Upon noticing any combination of these warning signs, contact your surgical team immediately; self-treating or waiting for symptoms to resolve is not recommended. Prompt communication allows the surgeon to assess the situation and begin treatment before the infection has a chance to progress. Delaying contact can make the infection harder to manage and potentially lead to more serious complications.
Before calling, it is helpful to gather information to aid in the medical assessment. This includes recording your body temperature, noting the color, consistency, and amount of drainage, and describing your current pain level. This information helps the team determine the severity of the suspected infection and whether you need to be seen immediately or can begin treatment after a prescription is called in. The medical team will guide you on the next steps, which may involve an urgent in-person examination.
Standard Medical Interventions for Infection Management
When an infection is suspected, medical treatment focuses on identifying the causative organism. The initial diagnostic workup often includes obtaining a culture of the wound drainage and potentially drawing blood for analysis. The culture helps determine the specific type of bacteria involved, allowing the medical team to select the most effective antibiotic.
Antibiotic therapy is the primary treatment for a surgical site infection, and the route of administration depends on the infection’s severity. For mild to moderate infections, a course of oral antibiotics may be prescribed to be taken at home. More extensive or rapidly worsening infections may necessitate intravenous (IV) antibiotics, which are administered directly into the bloodstream, often requiring a short hospital stay for close monitoring. The duration and specific type of antibiotic will be tailored based on the culture results and the clinical response to the medication.
If a collection of pus, known as an abscess, has formed, simple antibiotics may not be sufficient. In these cases, a minor procedure to drain the fluid is often required to remove the bacterial load and allow the area to heal. This drainage may involve a small incision or needle aspiration, and sometimes the wound is left partially open to continue draining and be cleaned regularly. For the most severe infections, such as those involving deeper tissue layers or significant tissue breakdown, surgical debridement may be necessary to remove all infected or non-viable tissue. Following any intervention, close monitoring is necessary to confirm that the infection is resolving and the wound is progressing toward full recovery.
Wound Care and Monitoring During Recovery
After the initial medical intervention has addressed the acute infection, wound care becomes paramount for healing. Your surgeon will provide instructions on how to gently cleanse the incision sites, often recommending a mild, fragrance-free soap and warm water. It is important to pat the area dry with a clean towel after cleansing, rather than rubbing, to avoid irritating the delicate healing tissue.
Patients must avoid submerging the incisions, meaning baths, hot tubs, and swimming are generally off-limits until the surgeon confirms the wounds are fully closed and healed. This prevents waterborne bacteria from entering the vulnerable healing sites. You will also be advised on appropriate dressing changes, which may involve sterile gauze or specialized wound care products to manage any ongoing drainage.
Monitoring the wound involves regularly checking for any renewed signs of redness, warmth, or discharge, reporting any adverse changes to the medical team. Physical activity must be limited, as excessive movement or strain can disrupt healing incisions and increase the risk of the wound opening (dehiscence). Avoiding heavy lifting, typically over 10 pounds, and strenuous exercise for several weeks helps protect the integrity of the closing wounds. While an infection can negatively impact the final appearance of scars, following all post-treatment instructions provides the best opportunity for a favorable long-term outcome.