Breast Implants Removed Due to Staph Infection, Unsure About Next Steps?

Both breasts implants were removed due to staph infection. Now I'm thinking about having them put back in except my doctor won't check to make sure the staph is gone. Should I proceed? See a different doctor? What should I do to make sure I won't have the same infection problem again?

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3 Doctor Answers | Asked by jeana monique in caldwell,Idaho

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Infection and Breast Implant Removal

Hello, Infection in breast implant cases is fortunately very rare, but when it does happen the implants frequently need to be removed. Most surgeons wait 6 months or until after the tissues have softened to consider replacing them. If you can't see your original surgeon I would go to another board certified plastic surgeon with a copy of your operative notes from the first surgeon's office in hand. This way the case can be reviewed and steps can be taken to reduce the risks the second time... more

Breast augmentation after implants removed for infection

Getting a second opinion is always a good idea. Bilateral infection after breast augmenation is unusual. Why did it happen? Some plastic surgeons will work with an infectious disease doctor to manage your case; this can be very helpful and I recommend it. If you had MRSA (a type of staff infection) you should definitely be checked to make sure it is erradicated; this is done very simply by taking swabs of your nose, arm pits and groin. If you have not been treated for MRSA you... more

Replacing breast implants

As Dr. Di Saia stated in his answer, infection following breast augmentation in unusual. When an infection occurs around an implant, the implant serves as an infected foreign body and must me removed to clear the infection as was done in your case. We all have bacteria on our skin. If a test, (culture) of the skin is performed it may show our typical skin bacteria. If you do carry a more virulent stain of bacteria such as methicillin resistant staph aureous, (MRSA), this may be... more