Breast Abscess Concerns Post-Drain Placement
I have a Penrose drain inserted into my breast, and it has been two days since the procedure. I've noticed that when I press on the area of the abscess, it leaves a temporary indentation. Could this be a sign that the abscess is becoming softer, or does it indicate something entirely different?
Answers (1)
7/10/2025, 3:20:52 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to have concerns about changes in your breast after having a Penrose drain placed. The temporary indentation you notice when pressing on the area may suggest some changes in the abscess. It could indicate that the fluid is shifting or that the surrounding tissue is responding to the drainage, possibly indicating that the abscess is becoming softer.
However, while some fluctuation in the tissue around a recent drainage site can be normal, it’s essential to monitor the area closely for other signs of concern.
Explanation:
An abscess is a pocket of infection that can feel firm or swollen. After drainage, the tissue may become softer as the fluid drains away, allowing some indentation when pressure is applied. This can be part of the healing process, but you need to be aware of other signs that might suggest complications.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on the area. Look out for any redness, increasing pain, swelling, or discharge that is unusual. If the indentation becomes more pronounced or if the area feels hotter than the surrounding skin, it could indicate a complication.
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Gentle Care: Be gentle with the area around the drain. While light pressure may show indentation, avoid pressing too hard, as this could irritate the tissue or disrupt healing.
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Keep the Area Clean: Follow any care instructions provided for your drain site. This typically involves keeping it clean and dry to prevent infection.
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Document Changes: Track any changes in the area over the next few days. If you notice increased symptoms or any unusual developments, note them down.
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Seek Help If Needed: If you experience worsening symptoms—such as fever, worsening pain, increased redness, or discharge that smells bad—please consider reaching out for further evaluation.
It’s great that you’re attentive to your recovery, and monitoring your symptoms closely is a positive step. If you have any other questions or notice any significant changes, feel free to ask for more guidance.
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