Avoiding Infection at Surgical Incision Sites

Hello. I am scheduled to have a breast lift within two weeks (!) and I was wondering what is the best way to avoid infection. When you check out these plastic surgery boards/forums it seems like everyone has an infection. Is it really that common? Ack!

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7 Doctor Answers | Asked by acnescars7160 in OH

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Surgical Infections

Hi there- Your question really raises multiple issues... As far as infection after surgery goes, it is important to realize that it is, in fact, a risk of surgery that will never be zero. The risk can be minimized, however, by only having surgery under the most ideal circumstances, which would include: - You being at your healthiest - Having surgery performed by a Plastic Surgeon certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery - In a facility certified by AAAASF or JCAH more

Avoiding infections

As previously mentioned, infections are not that common. Avoiding infections begins with good prep before your operation, which includes showering for at least 2 to 3 days prior to the surgery with a antibacterial skin cleanser (you can use hibiclens, which is readily available at drugstore). For certain procedures, your surgeon may choose to use IV antibiotics. Post operative wound care instructions are usually very clear about keeping your incision lines clean, dry and clear of... more

Avoiding infection at surgical incision sites

NO! it is not common as you state. First speak with your surgeon concerniing this issue. Second use pre operative soaps to wash daily. Third follow the post operative instructions. Fourth use local wound care as prescribed by the surgeon. Good Luck, keep us in the loop on your recovery. From MIAMI DR. B

Infections after surgery

Actually infections arenot common after surgery. There is no specific way to avoid it, but to diminish the risk, you should shower the night before with dial soap or other products that your surgeon recommends. Also, the doctor usually prescribes antibiotics at the time of surgery and some continue them after surgery for a few days.

Steven Wallach, MD

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Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Avoiding Infection of Surgical Incisions

It is impossible to completely abolish infections of surgical incisions. After the turn of the last century when surgeons began sterilizing their instruments and moved from ANTISEPTIC to ASEPTIC technique, the infection rate dropped to nearly its current level. The use of new skin penetrating surgical soaps just before surgery minimal reduced the surgical infection rate which is currently below 3% depending on the operation. The best way to improve your results is to have your... more

Surgical Infections

The chance of surgical infection is very low in a clean case like breast surgery. However, it is best to follow your doctor's instructions regarding pre and post op care. Also, make sure you wash your hands well and use an antibacterial gel on your hands before changing your dressings. Good luck with your surgery.

Surgical Infections

Overall, the infection rate for a clean case like a breast lift is <2% in certified facilities. There are, however, a number of people doing this type of surgery in non-certified facilities, for which there are no statistics. All members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery may do this type of surgery only in certified OR’s. The above statistic takes into account all surgeries on all people and even superficial... more