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Worried about infection after breast reduction surgery? While complications are rare, it’s important to recognise the early signs of infection to ensure a smooth recovery. From redness and swelling to unusual discharge and fever, this guide explains exactly what symptoms to look out for, how to treat infections, and when to call your surgeon. Understanding the risks and knowing what’s normal – and what’s not – will help you recover safely and confidently.
Most infections occur within 30 days of breast reduction surgery.
Redness, warmth, and swelling around the incision are early signs of infection.
Foul-smelling drainage and high fever may indicate a more serious complication.
Smoking, diabetes, and poor wound care increase your infection risk.
Contact your surgeon immediately if you notice persistent pain, pus, or systemic symptoms.
With early treatment, most infections can be resolved without affecting your final results.
Before delving into the signs of infection, it’s important to have a basic understanding of breast reduction surgery, its purposes, and the typical recovery process. This knowledge provides a foundation for why post-operative care, including infection vigilance, is crucial.
While breast reduction surgery can bring significant relief, it’s important to be aware of the most common problems after breast reduction surgery. These may include swelling, bruising, temporary changes in nipple sensitivity, and delayed wound healing. Among these, infection is one of the more serious concerns. Identifying infection-related symptoms early is crucial for effective management and maintaining positive surgical outcomes.
In the context of breast reduction surgery, understanding surgical site infections (SSIs) is essential for effective post-operative care. An SSI is an infection that occurs at or near the surgical incision within 30 days of the operation, or within 90 days if an implant is involved. These infections can range from superficial, involving only the skin, to more severe cases that affect deeper tissues, organs, or any implanted material.
The incidence of SSIs following breast reduction, while relatively low due to advanced surgical techniques and preventive measures, still exists. The exact rate varies, but it is generally considered an infrequent yet significant complication of the procedure.
Several factors can elevate the risk of developing an SSI. Pre-existing health conditions like diabetes, obesity, and immune disorders are notable contributors. Lifestyle choices, particularly smoking and poor nutrition, can also impair wound healing, increasing the risk of infection. Additionally, certain surgical factors, including the duration of the procedure and specific surgical techniques, might contribute to a higher likelihood of developing an infection.
Knowing how to identify breast reduction infection signs can help prevent minor issues from becoming major complications. Key indicators include persistent redness, warmth, swelling, and an increase in localised pain around the incision site. If your breast appears abnormally inflamed or you notice changes in skin texture or colour, these may be early warnings of infection.
In this early stage, being vigilant about these signs is essential. Patients are usually still recovering at home during this period, and recognising these symptoms early can lead to quicker medical intervention. It’s important for patients to communicate any concerns to their healthcare provider as soon as they notice unusual symptoms.
While some discomfort is normal, the signs of infection after breast surgery should not be overlooked. If you develop a fever, experience chills, or notice pus or foul-smelling drainage from the surgical site, these are clear signs that your body may be fighting off an infection. Other symptoms may include spreading redness or increased tenderness around the breasts.
If any of these advanced symptoms are observed, it’s crucial for patients to contact their healthcare provider or seek emergency medical care immediately. Delaying treatment for an advanced infection can lead to more severe health issues, including the potential for the infection to spread to other parts of the body.
When signs of a potential infection following breast reduction surgery are present, it’s important to accurately diagnose the condition to ensure the right treatment is administered.
An infected breast reduction incision can present in several ways. Watch for persistent or worsening redness around the wound, yellow or green discharge, or a foul odour. In some cases, the incision may reopen or become increasingly painful. If any of these symptoms occur, prompt evaluation by your surgeon is essential to prevent the spread of infection.
If you’re wondering how to treat infection after breast reduction, the process generally involves a combination of antibiotics, wound care, and close medical supervision. Your surgeon may prescribe a specific antibiotic based on the type of bacteria identified. In more severe cases, surgical intervention may be required to remove infected tissue. Early treatment increases the likelihood of a full recovery without compromising aesthetic results.
Preventing an infection after breast reduction surgery is far more preferable than having to treat one. There are several measures that patients can take both before and after surgery to minimise the risk of developing an infection. These steps are crucial for a smooth recovery and optimal surgical outcomes.
Prior to surgery, patients should be in the best possible health. This includes managing any existing health conditions like diabetes or obesity, which can increase infection risk. Quitting smoking and ensuring a nutritious diet are also vital. Smoking can impair wound healing, while a balanced diet supports the immune system.
Following the surgery, it’s important to adhere strictly to the surgeon’s instructions regarding wound care. This often includes keeping the incision area clean and dry, and changing dressings as advised. Patients should avoid any activities that could strain the surgical site and delay healing, such as heavy lifting or vigorous exercise.
Continuing a healthy lifestyle post-surgery is key. Maintaining a balanced diet, avoiding smoking, and moderate exercise (as permitted by the surgeon) can enhance the body’s ability to heal and fight off potential infections. Good hygiene, especially around the surgical area, is essential to prevent the introduction of bacteria to the wound.
Attending all scheduled follow-up appointments allows the surgeon to monitor the healing process and catch any early signs of complications, including infection.
By taking these preventive steps, patients can significantly reduce their risk of developing an infection following breast reduction surgery. This proactive approach to health and recovery is an integral part of achieving the best possible outcomes from the procedure.
It’s important that you be evaluated by your surgeon before this problem develops into something more severe. With early appropriate intervention your result should still be excellent.
If you are concerned, please don’t waste anytime and contact us on our 24hr helpline.
The best action is to return to your plastic surgeon as soon as possible so that they may evaluate you. They will most definitely want to make sure that your healing okay.
London Cosmetic Surgery group Berkeley Square Medical, is one of the UK’s leading providers of Aesthetic and Cosmetic Surgery. For more information about breast reduction surgery with us, please visit: https://www.berkeleysquaremedical.com/breast-reduction
Signs of infection after breast reduction surgery include increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus or foul-smelling drainage, a fever above 38°C (100.4°F), and worsening pain at the incision site. These symptoms usually appear within the first 1–3 weeks of recovery.
An infected breast reduction incision may look red, swollen, and feel hot to the touch. You might also see yellow or green discharge, or experience a foul smell from the wound. If the incision begins to open or becomes increasingly painful, seek medical help immediately.
The most common signs include persistent swelling or redness, unusual discharge, pain that doesn’t improve with time, and general symptoms like fever or chills. If you notice any of these, it could be a sign that your body is fighting off a surgical site infection.
Common problems after breast reduction surgery include bruising, swelling, numbness around the nipples, fluid buildup (seroma), scarring, and infection. While most of these are temporary or manageable, infection requires immediate medical attention to avoid complications.
Infection after breast reduction is usually treated with prescription antibiotics. Your surgeon may also clean the wound and change your dressings more frequently. In more serious cases, minor surgical intervention might be needed to remove infected tissue.
No, surgical infections rarely go away without treatment. If you suspect an infection, you need to contact your surgeon or clinic. Untreated infections can lead to serious complications and delay your healing.
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