I have had breast infections due to Gamella bacteria first, then had a bilateral periductal fistula on both breast 3 times, then contracted HA MRSA. I underwent surgery for that. I still have infection but my breasts look terrible now. They are scarred from the many procedures, and the right nipple is actually at an angle now instead of horizontal.
I was wondering if there's any type of corrective surgery that would be helpful for my situation. We are still treating an infection, although unknown. The last culture was " normal skin flora". Thank you for your time.
Sometimes when breast tissue becomes severely scarred, the best option is to remove the extensively damaged tissue. This does not mean you will require removal of the entire breast, but possibly a portion of it. Replacement with your own tissue by means of a flap (using the Latissimus Dorsi or Rectus Abdominus muscles) will bring new soft and pliable tissue with a healthy blood supply.
The breast, like many other parts of our body, are prone to infection. The ductal anatomy of the breast places it at risk for infection. The planning of surgery depends on several factors, the most important of which is to eradicate the infection altogether.
Once the infection is cleared and time has elapsed, the choice for reconstruction includes prosthesis, autologous tissue transfer, or a combination of the two. Breast implants are riskier because of the possibility of incomplete clearance of the infection.
I am sorry you have experienced so many problems with your breast surgery. As I am sure your surgeon has told you by now, there are no easy answers as to how to proceed; still, however, there is hope.
In general, the first priority is to completely clear your infection. This means removal of the implants completely.
If there is severe deformity of the breasts as a result of the infections, the incisions, and the implant removal, you will most likely require a multi-staged reconstruction. Tissue expanders will need to be placed as the first stage, then slowly expanded and allowed to restore the shape of the breasts. A while after that stage is completed, you would have removal of the expanders and placement of breast implants as the second stage, perhaps with some scar revisions as well. Any final reconstruction of the nipple and areola would be done as the final stage, along with more scar revisions if needed.
It will undoubtedly be a much longer and rockier road than what you expected, but unfortunately a severe infection such as yours does occur rarely. Keep the faith, and eventually you will get through this problem.
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