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A breast abscess is treated by draining them and small abscesses are usually drained using a needle and syringe. This is done by using ultrasound to guide the needle into place.

In the case of larger breast abscesses, a small incision is made in the abscess, to drain off the pus. General or local anesthesia might be given depending on how deep-seated your abscess is.

The severity of the infection decides if it can be done at a clinic or a hospital. It is an outpatient process.

1.Overview: For incision and drainage, the abscess is cut open with a scalpel to release the infected fluid. Then the infected area can be left open and packed with sterile gauze or closed with a small tube left in, so the pus can drain out.

2.Snapshots:

• Procedure Type: 
• Anesthesia: Local anesthesia
• Hospitalization: 1 day
• Procedure time: 10-20 minutes
• Recovery Time: A few days to 3 weeks

3.Post-Surgical Care: 

• Follow your doctor’s instructions for cleaning the incision area and changing bandages
• You may bathe as usual. You can wash the incision gently with water and mild, unscented soap, once the drain has been removed
• Change bandages when they get wet/dirty
• Do not do heavy exercise for 3 weeks. 

4.Advantages of this Procedure:

The breast abscesses are usually the result of unguided breastfeeding. Breast-feeding helps clear the infection and you should not wean your baby abruptly as this might worsen your abscesses.

Breast abscesses in non-lactating women are caused due to:

• Nipple piercing
• Smoking
• Diabetes

The doctor might recommend a lactation specialist who would ask to make the following changes in breastfeeding patterns.

• Prolonged overfilling of your breast with milk should be avoided before breast-feeding.
• Making sure that the infant latches right while feeding. Also, a small amount of milk can be expressed by hand before breast-feeding.
• While breastfeeding or pumping massage the breast from the affected area down toward the nipple.
• Ensure your breast is drained completely while breastfeeding. 
• Changing your breastfeeding positions.

The patient can wear soft breast pads within the bra to reduce friction and to avoid any discomfort. The soft pads are available at medical utility stores.

• In the case of repeat infection or chronic abscesses, the affected glands will be removed by the doctor.
• It could also lead to nipple inversion, in which case the nipple has to be reconstructed during the surgery.
• If the infection persists even after a course or two of antibiotics, or the infection repeats, you may need surgery. The chronic abscess and any affected glands will be removed during surgery. If there is a nipple inversion it can be reconstructed during surgery.