Hello, I had a right mastectomy with sentinel lymph node removal and immediate implant reconstruction on 8th January 2026. My wound drain was removed 3 days ago. The mastectomy scar is healing well, apart from a small amount of clear straw coloured fluid - this is leaking from the mastectomy scar. Im wearing a dry dressing which I change daily. The drain wound is dry and healed. I have some swelling in the reconstructed breast, which is pink-red, and warm to the touch. (not the wound site, which is under my breast). I’m guessing this is a seroma? Wearing a post surgery bra help with the swelling, reducing it slightly, but the bra band rubs on the mastectomy wound and is very uncomfortable. Is it ok to not wear a bra (I’m a B cup), to protect the wound, or should I wear one to reduce the swelling? I feel very well otherwise and have no signs of infection. Thanks for any advice.
I would give your breast nurses a call if it is pinkyvred and warm. I think you need to keep the bra on fur compression. Could you put a soft dressing between the bra and your wound? Would that help at all? I had a full mastectomy so not sure what’s normal for a reconstruction.
Thank you. I’ll call the breast care nurses on Monday morning. In the meantime I’ll try to pad the sore/leaky area with some folded gauze bandage over the dry adhesive dressing, so my bra band doesn’t rub. Many thanks x
@hollyhock63 Well done to you, your soundinding very positive after your surgery and looking after yourself.
However I think you need to speak with your breast cancer team regarding the redness on the breast as soon as you can, having had something similar it may need treatment or call 111 today for information.
Wishing you well, going forward with the biggest hugs Tili 
Thanks @Tili,I will speak to the team tomorrow x
I think I would call them today. Hopefully they gave you a 24 hrs contact number. The redness and leaking could be the start of an infection. Alternatively give 111 a call and ask their advice, they may be able to get you an out if hours GP appointment.
Unfortunately my breast care team is not contactable at weekends. I’m phoning them first thing tomorrow, I feel quite well, don’t have a temperature and the wound, although leaky, is otherwise fine. The redness is on the skin of my reconstructed breast, I honestly think it’s a seroma which (according to the booklet given to me by the breast care team) is not an emergency. I’ve managed to make myself more comfortable in my post surgery bra by wearing a panty liner as padding, which prevents rubbing and pressure from the under band.
Thank you everyone for your advice and concern, your support is very much appreciated 
Hello hollyhock63,
Thank you for posting.
It is good to read that your mastectomy site is healing well. As you suggest the straw coloured fluid leaking from the scar could be due to a seroma which can happen after breast surgery. However as @2kittens and @Tili suggest, it is important to get this checked out with your breast care nurse or team to rule out other causes such as infection. Hopefully you have been able to contact them by now.
Many surgeons like you to wear a bra after mastectomy and reconstruction for support and comfort. However, it is important to find one which is comfortable for you. You may find this information on choosing a bra whilst you are healing helpful.
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