Breast Abscess Drainage Incision

A breast abscess can cause persistent pain and hinder daily activities if left untreated. Consult our specialists for accurate diagnosis and proper drainage of your breast abscess to find pain relief, reduced risk of complications, and improved breast health.

Dr Jesse Hu
Consultant General Surgeon, Breast, Thyroid & Endocrine Surgery
Dr Felicia Tan Li Sher
Director, Consultant General Surgeon

What is Breast Abscess Drainage Incision?

Breast abscess drainage incision is a surgical procedure to remove pus-filled pockets (abscesses) caused by an infection in the breast tissue called mastitis. This minimally invasive procedure is typically performed on patients with recurring or non-responsive breast infections, aiming to alleviate pain, prevent complications, and restore breast health.

Diagnosis

To accurately diagnose a breast abscess and determine the appropriate treatment, your doctor may use various methods:

Physical Examination

During a physical examination, your doctor will assess the breast for swelling, tenderness, or redness. This helps them identify the presence and location of a possible abscess.

Ultrasound

An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the breast tissue. This non-invasive imaging technique allows doctors to visualise any abscesses and determine their size and depth.

Needle Aspiration

Needle aspiration involves using a thin needle to withdraw fluid from the suspected abscess. This fluid sample is sent for lab testing to confirm the presence of an infection and determine the appropriate antibiotic treatment.

What To Expect For Breast Abscess Drainage

Understanding the process for breast abscess drainage can help you feel more prepared and at ease. Here’s what to expect before, during, and after the procedure:

  • Consultation with your surgeon to discuss the procedure and potential risks
  • Preoperative assessments to ensure you’re in good health
  • Instructions on fasting and medications prior to the surgery

  • Local or general anaesthesia, depending on the severity of the abscess
  • A small incision is made near the abscess for drainage
  • The pus is removed and the area thoroughly cleaned
  • Closure of the incision with stitches or adhesive strips

  • Prescription of antibiotics to help prevent infection
  • Pain relief medication to manage discomfort
  • Post-operative care instructions, including wound care and hygiene
  • Follow-up appointments to monitor healing and remove stitches if necessary

Breast Abscess Drainage Incision Cost in Singapore

Breast abscesses are usually treated through incision and drainage, which often requires anaesthesia and a period at the hospital. Here are several factors that may affect the cost of the entire procedure:

Surgeon's fees

The experience and reputation of your surgeon.

Anaesthesia fees

Depending on whether you receive local or general anaesthesia, the cost may vary.

Facility fees

Different surgical facilities may have varying costs based on their location, amenities, and equipment.

Pre- and post-operative tests

Additional tests, such as ultrasounds or lab work, may affect the overall cost.

Medications

The price of prescribed antibiotics and pain relief medications.

Follow-up appointments

The number and nature of follow-up visits.

Dr Jesse Hu

Consultant General Surgeon, Breast, Thyroid & Endocrine Surgery

Dr Jesse specialises in managing both benign and malignant breast and thyroid conditions, which also includes breast pain, breast lumps, breastfeeding problems, neck lumps, amongst others.

Her dual expertise in cancer removal and plastic surgery techniques expands the design of individualized treatments, leading to holistic patient outcomes.

Dr Jesse was part of the teaching faculties of both NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, where she teaches and mentors the next generation of medical students and trainee doctors.

  • Surgical training at NUS School of Medicine
  • FRCS (Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons) Edinburgh, UK in 2014
  • Completed 2 Health Manpower Development Program (HMDP) fellowships at Oxford University Hospital, UK in 2016

Dr Jesse is recognized as an authority in breast cancer and thyroid surgery and a sought-after conference speaker.

Read Full Bio

Dr Felicia Tan Li Sher

Director, Consultant General Surgeon

Dr Felicia is actively involved in promoting breast cancer awareness. She has also been invited to give lectures and public talks on breast cancer related issues both locally and internationally.

Her clinical interest lies in treatment of breast cancer and the use of various surgical techniques to achieve the best oncologic and cosmetic outcome for her patients.

She is the pioneer of the procedure radioisotope occult lesion localisation (ROLL) in Singapore – which is used for locating non-palpable breast lesions and micro-calcifications for surgical excision.

  • Bachelor in Medicine and Surgery from the National University of Singapore
  • RCSEd (Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh)
  • Post-graduate training as a General Surgeon at NCC and SGH, subspecializing in breast surgery.

She is also adept with the whole range of breast surgical procedures including vacuum assisted biopsies and endoscopic (key-hole) breast surgery for breast lesions.

 

Read Full Bio

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    Breast Abscess Drainage Incision In Singapore

    Frequently Asked
    Questions

    How long does breast abscess drainage take?

    Breast abscess drainage typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the size and severity of the abscess. The duration may vary based on individual factors and the complexity of the procedure.

    When should a breast abscess be drained?

    A breast abscess should be drained when it causes significant pain, discomfort, or other symptoms that interfere with daily activities, or when conservative treatments like antibiotics have failed to resolve the infection.

    Do all breast abscesses need to be drained?

    Not all breast abscesses require drainage; some smaller abscesses may resolve with antibiotic treatment alone. However, larger or more persistent abscesses typically need to be drained to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.

    What causes abscesses in the breast?

    Breast abscesses are often caused by bacterial infections, such as mastitis in breastfeeding women, blocked milk ducts, nipple piercing infections, or a weakened immune system.

    Can a breast abscess go away on its own?

    Some breast abscesses may resolve on their own or with conservative treatments like antibiotics and warm compresses. Larger or more severe abscesses often require surgical drainage to prevent complications and promote healing.

    Can an abscess turn into breast cancer?

    A breast abscess is not directly linked to breast cancer, but the presence of an abscess may make it more challenging to detect any underlying breast cancer.

    When should I worry about a breast abscess?

    If you experience symptoms such as persistent pain, swelling, redness, fever, or pus discharge from the nipple, seek medical attention promptly to prevent complications and ensure proper treatment.