Post-Mastectomy Breast Infection. Expander Removal?

Left breast ( had radiations 2 years ago ) got infected after mastactamy and reconstraction with expander.I'm 2 weeks now with picc line with antibiotics,but infection still there. I have implant on the right breast , size C .If expander much be taken off, Is it possible to do LD flap or tram flap with implant to the left breast to look same with right ? Or, may be can give advice how to save expender and treat infection ? Thank you, Nataly.

Tags:

Comment on this

6 Doctor Answers | Asked by timetimetime in Los Angeles

Doctor Answers (6)
Community Comments (0)

Tissue Expander Infection with history of breast radiation

With your history of breast radiation combined with recent infection, I recommend that you strongly consider either a latissimus flap or DIEP flap reconstruction of your left breast. By bringing healthy non radiated tissue to the left breast, you will minimize your chance of recurrent infection or scar tissue formation Here is my recommendation: 1. Extensive infection: remove the expander and give your left breast 4-6 months to heal and be free of infection.... more

What to do with an infected implant

You have had radiation to your left breast and with this comes poor blood supply and the resulting infection. Normal treatment for an infected breast implant is to remove it and wait a minimum of six months. In your case with the radiation, it may take longer. I would suggest you wait 6 to 9 months or even a year before considering further surgery. I would wait till the surgical site is soft and freely movable. At that time you should consult with your PS... more

Infection and expaander

If the expander is infected you should have it removed and wait three to six months to have a new reconstruction.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Tissue Expander breast reconstruction infection

Prosthetic reconstruction can be difficult after radiation with difficulty healing, poor expansion, infection, etc. It may also be difficult to clear the infection with the tissue expander in place. It may be necessary to remove the expander if the infection does not resolve and then consider LAD , TRAM flap or other method of reconstruction. As noted, it is difficult to give advise without knowing complete history and continued followup with plastic surgeon is... more

Post-Mastectomy Breast Infection. Expander Removal

Very hard to give internet advise. We do not have your complete medical/surgical history, photos, etc. Best to discuss with your PS, your General Surgeon, additional PS's. My guess is removal , healing time, than either a lats flap or TRAM flap, or microsurgery flap. Best of luck from MIOAMI DR. Darryl J. Blinski, 305 598 0091

Implants in the setting of infection & radiation most often require removal

While attempts to salvage infected implants with antibiotic treatment are sometimes made, surgery is often needed to remove the implant in order to allow the infection to resolve. The chances of salvage are lower when radiation therapy has been used as part of a patient's treatment. Once an infected implant is removed, the period of delay until further surgery will often depend on the method of reconstruction that one chooses. If another implant reconstruction is going to be... more