Infection from internal stitches

jjmcel · 01-25-2009, 04:53 PM

I had a breast augmentation and donut lift on 12-9-08. I went back to the PS office Thurday because I was spitting out internal stitches and they were getting red, etc. She removed several but could feel several more under the skin. The redness extended about an inch from the areola incision and felt warm. I went back in Saturday and another nurse removed 3 more and put me on Cipro. She said I definitely had a stich abscess. Well, the redness is continuing and I'm getting some pus and serous drainage. It still feels puffy where the redness is. What is the next step and what are the concerns? I am going back in Monday for possible culture is redness persists. Will they open it up again to drain it? Do I have to worry about the implant? I did get them under the muscle. I have not had fever or chills, just localized swelling, erythema and slight warmth.

drghaderi · 01-31-2009, 01:26 PM

Sorry you are having a tough recovery. Suture related infections are usually very localized and immediately resolve once the suture has been removed without even the need for antibiotic. If your redness extends a bit beyond your incision and your symptoms did not improve with removal of the sutures, and you are requiring antibiotics, I would discuss with your plastic surgeon about a possible deeper seeded infection. With the drainage you are describing I would be worried about the implant if it was placed through the peri-areolar incision. I would contact your plastic surgeon as soon as possible.

jjmcel · 01-31-2009, 10:36 PM

When I went in Monday, I was able to see the PS between cases. He was concerned the infection was tracking along the "wagon wheel" stitch. Luckily, I am numb on that side and he was able to search around in two openings from the stitch removal. I felt alot of tugging/pulling but no pain. He did pull the "wagon wheel" stitch and said he would fix it later if necessary. The stitch he pulled was at least 4 inches long. He said I might notice the area stretching out. I imagine this stitch was part of the donut lift and was holding it together. I'm not concerned about this since he said he would fix it. I am happy to say the redness, swelling is resolving so I believe he did the right thing. Thank goodness I saw him and not only the nurse. She said she would definitely not have done that. I am completing the Cipro and go back next week for f/u. Thanks for your response.

01-25-2009, 04:53 PM	#1
jjmcel Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Lexington, Kentucky Posts: 91 Thanks: 29 Thanked 36 Times in 34 Posts	Infection from internal stitches I had a breast augmentation and donut lift on 12-9-08. I went back to the PS office Thurday because I was spitting out internal stitches and they were getting red, etc. She removed several but could feel several more under the skin. The redness extended about an inch from the areola incision and felt warm. I went back in Saturday and another nurse removed 3 more and put me on Cipro. She said I definitely had a stich abscess. Well, the redness is continuing and I'm getting some pus and serous drainage. It still feels puffy where the redness is. What is the next step and what are the concerns? I am going back in Monday for possible culture is redness persists. Will they open it up again to drain it? Do I have to worry about the implant? I did get them under the muscle. I have not had fever or chills, just localized swelling, erythema and slight warmth.

01-31-2009, 01:26 PM	#2
drghaderi Certified by the ABPS Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Saint Charles, Illinois Posts: 70 Thanks: 0 Thanked 31 Times in 23 Posts	infection Sorry you are having a tough recovery. Suture related infections are usually very localized and immediately resolve once the suture has been removed without even the need for antibiotic. If your redness extends a bit beyond your incision and your symptoms did not improve with removal of the sutures, and you are requiring antibiotics, I would discuss with your plastic surgeon about a possible deeper seeded infection. With the drainage you are describing I would be worried about the implant if it was placed through the peri-areolar incision. I would contact your plastic surgeon as soon as possible.

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01-31-2009, 10:36 PM	#3
jjmcel Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Lexington, Kentucky Posts: 91 Thanks: 29 Thanked 36 Times in 34 Posts	When I went in Monday, I was able to see the PS between cases. He was concerned the infection was tracking along the "wagon wheel" stitch. Luckily, I am numb on that side and he was able to search around in two openings from the stitch removal. I felt alot of tugging/pulling but no pain. He did pull the "wagon wheel" stitch and said he would fix it later if necessary. The stitch he pulled was at least 4 inches long. He said I might notice the area stretching out. I imagine this stitch was part of the donut lift and was holding it together. I'm not concerned about this since he said he would fix it. I am happy to say the redness, swelling is resolving so I believe he did the right thing. Thank goodness I saw him and not only the nurse. She said she would definitely not have done that. I am completing the Cipro and go back next week for f/u. Thanks for your response.