What Causes Recurring Mastitis Post Breast Reduction Surgery?

Posted on Thu, 7 May 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 8 May 2015 Answered on

Thu, 28 May 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I am a forty year old Female who has had recurrent mastitis for the last 12 months( following a breast reduction and lift 9/5/2013). I have had several mammograms and ultrasounds and an MRI this past december 12/14.

Recently- The breast care specialist says its an inflammatory reaction to the suture.

The plastic surgeon says lets just wait it out. As a patient- should i consider "waiting it out" as i have never had mastitis prior to the reduction surgery and have been on antibiotics for 12 of the last 18 months.

Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
yes wait and watch

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.

I understand your concern. This can be a dreadful situation. Most probably this is a reaction to the surgery. As it has become so prolonged, unlikely to be a bacterial infection. So further antibiotics may not be beneficial.

Antiinflammatory drugs should help. If need be, steroids may be given for short duration.

Surgery will not help. So wait and watch is appropriate. Should resolve or abate over time.

Hope this helps. I will be available for follow up.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar