Breast Reconstruction for Infected Breasts?

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... more

You have a complicated problem. The first issue should be can a partial mastectomy removing the scar tissue create a resonable breast mound or is it necessary to perform a larger resection. When dealing with breast reconstruction there is an important choice between using your own tissue (an autologous breast reconstruction) and using implants. In an individual with multiple infections sometimes implants are the best choices. Implants are not resistant to infections the way your own... more

First you need to adequately treat the infection. Once that is completed, then you can work on possibly improving the reconstructed breast appearance.

Having such a complicated course with breast infection makes me wonder about the underlying cause, be it trauma, diabetes, or immune suppression from medication or HIV. Have you been evaluated for an underlying cause? There is a condition known as granulomatous disease of the breast that results in multiple abscess-like lesions, but this is seen on pathology, and doesn't usually cause multiple infections. Once the cause of your breast disorder is identified and treated, you... more

Your history of breast infections sounds quite severe. Prior to any reconstructive procedure, the important goal is resolving the infections. Reconstruction then depends upon what breast tissue remains, what position it is in, and the degree of asymmetry between your breasts. Some women have such bad recurrences of infection that they opt for mastectomies to clear up the repeated infections. If this were the case, I believe allowing your body to heal prior to reconstruction would be the... more

Pictures will be extremely helpful. Different techniques could be used to correct the breast deformity and remove the scar tissue. It is important for the plastic surgeon to coordinate with your infection disease specialist for the proper antibiotic prophylaxis etc. As expressed before by some of my collegues, implants might not be the best option for you and a combination of your own tissues (flaps or fat grafting) could be the way to go. Hope that helps!

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.

Hello, Before reconstruction you really want to get the infection issue cleared up as much as possible. If repeat infection is a high risk in the future you want to consider tissue-based as opposed to implant-based reconstructive options. Implants do not do well in the presence of 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. ... more