Continue this antibiotic, but call your plastic surgeon and voice your concerns

If your plastic surgeon recently saw you, he clearly feels that whatever "infectious" problem you are having will resolve with a first generation cephalosporin such as Keflex. This antibiotic provides reasonable coverage of infections caused by skin flora, especially gram positive bacteria such as strep and non-resistant staph.

If you are still concerned that this antibiotic is inadequate to treat your condition, call your surgeon directly and voice these same concerns. The better your communication is, the better your relationship will be throughout your postoperative course. MH

Keflex is a commonly used antibiotic to prevent infection known as prophylaxis. If your surgeon is concerned about an early infection another course of antibiotic is reasonable as is close surveillance. Personally, I would use a antibiotic that is more effective for the organisms most commonly the cause of implant/wound infections. Spectrum ( range of bacteria the drug effects) is how we choose a drug, it has nothing to do with strength. I may chose a broader spectrum drug such as augmentin, cipro with or without Bactrim. If this is an early infection, it needs to be treated early on or else it can progress to the point where the device may have to be removed. This, however, is extremely rare!