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Infection after breast augmentation surgery

asked 4 years ago by anon
Latest answer by Robert E. Zaworski, MD
Question viewed 8,607 times
Tags: complication, infection

I had breast implants done on October 4th. I had a suture from inside try to come through and the nurse pulled it out and trimmed it. Ever since then, I've had an infection. Have been on two types of antibiotics and they go away and then come back. Today I have one pretty bad spot that's sort of bleeding, not much infection pus or anything (I know it sounds sickening) but I'm freaking. I've been cleaning the area with Hibiclens and putting antibiotic ointment on it and keeping it covered with gauze. Any other suggestions? Heat perhaps? There's no pain and the area's not warm to touch, it's just yucky.

49 answers to Infection after breast augmentation surgery

+5

Infection after breast augmentation

Hello, There are two main type of infections possible after a breast augmentation: Superficial infections: It does not involve the implant and usually is related to the sutures. These type of infections usually go away on their own or with a short course of antibiotics. Deep infections: These involve the implant and are more serious in terms of the possible final result. Oral antibiotics should be started. Cultures should be taken if there is drainage to... more
Remus Repta, MD

Phoenix Plastic Surgeon

www.aaaplasticsurgery.com

+3

Infection after Breast Augmentation-see your doctor right away.

I agree that you need to see your doctor to determine exactly what is going on. It sounds as though you are "spitting" deep sutures, which is not that uncommon although your description sounds as though you are having an unusually prolonged healing. The concern is that the superficial "suture abscess" could track deep and infect the implant. If this were to occur it would be very serious. Again, see your doctor. If he/she feels that this is simply a... more
Brooke R. Seckel, MD

Boston Plastic Surgeon

www.drseckel.com

+3

First, call your surgeon immediately! An infection has...

First, call your surgeon immediately! An infection has the potential to require not one, but two or more operations--one to remove the implant, then a second to place another implant several months later (after the tissues have fully healed and matured). Infections requiring implant removal are thankfully rare. The highest risk period is likely the initial healing period after surgery for several weeks. Diabetics and smokers are much more at risk, but the risk is never zero. After the... more
Nick Slenkovich, MD

Denver Plastic Surgeon
+2

This may be serious--does not sound like "dissolving stitch"

Many answers have correctly talked about dissolving sutures, stitch abscess, and the difference between a superficial wound or incisional infection, and implant or pocket infection. Two courses of antibiotics would generally be overkill for superficial incisional or stitch-type infections; removal of the offending stitch should be all that is necessary, unless more than one stitch has become infected (usually from skin bacteria, but ocassionally from other sources, like pets or... more
Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS

Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon
+2

Infection After Breast Augmentation

There are two types of infections after breast augmentation. Wound infections are superficial and usually clear with wound care and antibiotics. In a pocket infection the implant has become contaminated, this will not respond to antibiotics and will need to be removed. If the wound infection is not responding normally to antibiotics, the pocket infection needs to be ruled out .Furthermore, avoid strong antiseptics like Hibiclens, for they will significantly delay normal... more
Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon
+2

Infection after Breast Augmentation Surgery

Infections after breast augmentation surgery are not very common, however, if they occur, it can be a long drawn process until getting back to normal. Based on your description, it appears, that you have a superficial infection, or a stitch abscess in the area. Stitch abscess is somewhat different from superficial infection. When the surgeons place absorbable sutures, we rely on our body’s ability to break down suture material. Unfortunately, some suture materials are more... more
Boris Volshteyn, MD, MS

Reno Plastic Surgeon
+2

Infection after Breast Augmentation

I am sorry you're having some problems. It sounds like you had a suture extrude and some continued draining from that spot. If there is continued drainage, there may be more sutures to be removed.  Be sure to have your doctor evaluate this right away. Treating the area as you are usually helps the area to heal and the problem resolve. If the breast is getting red or if you are developing a fever, it is important to let your doctor know, right away.
Paul C. Zwiebel, MD

Denver Plastic Surgeon
+2

Breast Augmentation and Infection

Breast augmentation is a safe procedure that has risks associated with any surgery.  I would advise you to follow up with your plastic surgeon, who should be familiar with wound care and treatment.  It does not sound like an infection of the implant itself. 
Raffy Karamanoukian, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+2

Problem after breast implant surgery

The problem you are having sounds a lot like a stitch reaction, sometimes called a stitch granuloma. These start as a small bump over the area of a stitch that grows a bit and then starts leaking slightly. Its not really an infection, but more like a slowly healing area. If there is a piece of stitch in that area it will have to be removed to get better. Once the stitch is removed you will heal over time. A little bleeding or possibly leaking a small amount of clear or slightly yellow stuff... more
Adam Rubinstein, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon

dr-rubinstein.com

+2

If the problem is just with the sutures coming out...

If the problem is just with the sutures coming out rather than dissolving, this should resolve spontaneously. Go directly to your surgeon and have them evaluate if this is the case. A deeper form of infection around the implant will not be cured by antibiotics and will require implant removal and replacement at a later date, perhaps in 6 to 12 weeks. You can suspect that you have this kind of infection if you have fevers or if the breast involved is enlarged, painful, or red. more
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Infection with Breast Augmentation

Although infections following Breast Augmentation are rare, it can happen. If the breast implant gets infected, your surgeon may need to remove it, treat the infection, and replace the implant at a later date. Please see your surgeon for a culture, and antibotics as soon as possible. Hope you feel better.
Robert E. Zaworski, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Infection after Breast Augmentation

Sounds like what you are describing is a suture that is "spitting". A deeper infection is more serious and could threaten your implant and cause them to be removed. Make sure your plastic surgeon exams you to determine the care you will need. Stay in close touch but don't freak out out or do anything like placing heat. Best thing is to keep it clean. Good Luck!
Raj S. Ambay, MD

Tampa Plastic Surgeon
+1

Incision not healing after breast augmentation

Sounds like a very localized reaction to the suture. I have seen this happen in some patients that are sensitive to certain absorbable sutures including barbed sutures. If it has taken this long to resolve, I would recommend excising the the area and closing again in a different fashion.
John Michael Thomassen, MD

Fort Lauderdale Plastic Surgeon
+1

Infection after Breast Augmentation

I agree with the other surgeons, call your doctor immediately, he needs to see you to prevent what could become a much larger problem. Superficial infections can be treated with Abx but deeper infections or infections of the implants often require removal of the implant with replacement later. But once again, I stress , see your doctor immediately.
Jonathan Weiler, MD

Baton Rouge Plastic Surgeon

www.williamsoncosmeticcenter.com

+1

Possible infection after breast augmentation

It is very important that you return to your surgeon as soon as possible so that they can evaluate this. A superficial infection can be treated without much trouble, but if allowed to progress, and if it involves the underlying implant, you may have to have the implant removed to successfully deal with the infection.
Matthew Concannon, MD

Columbia Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast, deep sutures, infection

It sounds like suture reaaction, body can react to sutures like Vicryl that can cause granulation tissue and discharge. Get it evaluated by a Plastic surgeon. He or she may want to explore the area and remove the deep sutures.
Sanjay Parashar, MD

Dubai Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast augmentation infections

There are two major types of infections that are seen after breast augmentation surgery.  The more common type of infection is superficial in natural, usually clears up with antibiotics, and occurs in roughly 1% of cases.  Less commonly, deeper infections can occur which involve the implant.  These infections are much more serious, and can require intravenous antibiotics or even removal of the implant.  It can sometimes be a challenge determining if a deeper... more
Kelly Gallego, MD

Sioux City Plastic Surgeon
+1

Infections after breast augmentation

It is relatively rare to get an infection after breast augmentation surgery. He can be separated into 2 categories. Deep and superficial. Superficial infections usually relate to incisional issues such as stitch abscesses, superficial cellulitis, etc. Deep infections are more serious and usually relate to infection around the implant, inside the pocket. The management of these types of infections is more complex. For superficial infections, local wound care, oral antibiotics will... more
Kenneth Bermudez, MD

San Francisco Plastic Surgeon
+1

Suture infection usually will clear up- but is unnerving

A small part of the suture can start to work itself out, instead of dissolving. As this happens, it may become a superficial suture infection. Usually with antibiotics and wound care, it will heal.  The worry is that it may spread to the implant, so do keep an eye on it with your plastic surgeon.
Anne Taylor, MD

Columbus Plastic Surgeon
+1

Infection after implants

As long as it is just a supeficial wound infection it should clear with local wound care and antibiotics.  This is much different than an infected implant which would be a much bigger (but much less common) problem.
Michael Philbin, MD

Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon
+1

Incision infection after breast augmentation

After any operation, Breast Augmentation included, the body reacts to the suture material that is buried under the skin. That's how the sutures dissolve. Sometimes that reaction is very close to the surface of the skin, and so it gets red and the stitch may even "spit". Usually, just removing the stitch is enough. If there's still pus coming out from the area after the stitch was removed, your surgeon may need to carefully open the area up to be sure the process is... more
Verne Weisberg, MD

Portland Plastic Surgeon
+1

Possible infection after breast augmentation

It sounds like what you are describing is local irritation of the incision from the small suture poking through.  Now that the suture has been removed, the area will more than likely heal uneventfully with proper care, but it may take a little longer than the rest of the incision that isn't involved.  Regular cleansing, antibiotic ointment, and dry guaze all sound like appropriate treatment.  I don't recommend the application of heat to the area, because it isn't... more
Amy M. Sprole, MD

Wichita Plastic Surgeon
+1

Infection after Breast Augmentation

Infection after breast augmentation is very rare, but can happen.  If you have an infection, you may need long term antibiotics and sometimes even need to have the implant removed.  You should follow up closely with your surgeon.  It is very important that you see a board certified plastic surgeon.
David Shafer, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon

www.ShaferPlasticSurgery.com

+1

Healing after a suture is removed

The suture you mentioned is probably and absorbable stitch.  Even though we say it is absorbable, this can take several weeks.  It is not uncommon for the stitch to work its way to the skin surface.  Usually once it falls out or is removed as in your case, everything will heal uneventfully.  It can be disconcerting while this occurs.  Keeping the area clean with soap and water, antibiotic ointment, and a sterile bandaid or guaze is all that is needed.  The... more
Randy Proffitt, MD

Mobile Plastic Surgeon
+1

Sounds like a spitting suture

Infections take many different turns; 1- a rip roaring infection can require surgical drainage or the removal of the inplant. This problem will present as pain, fever, swelling, redness and perhaps some drainage. 2- A local skin infection can have many of the sysmptoms described above but the implant is soft and non-tender. This can usually be treated with antibiotics. 3- Finally, most common is something doctors call a spitting suture. This is when the dissolvable sutures come... more
Robert M. Freund, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Infection after breast augmentation surgery

Infection may occur after breast augmentation surgery, and should be evaluated and managed by your plastic surgeon. Superficial infections may be treated with local wound care and antibiotics, but deeper infections involving the implants themselves may require more aggressive treatment and surgical intervention.
Olivia Hutchinson, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Infection after breast augmentation surgery

It sounds like a superficial infection cause by suture. This not uncommon and it usually resolves with local wound care,oral antibiotics, local exploration of the wound and removal of the suture.  However,  is very important that you follow with your plastic surgeon because sometimes this superficial infections can be complicated by deep infections involving the breast implant.
Jaime Perez MD

Tampa Plastic Surgeon
+1

I hope you saw your surgeon for this problem

I hope you saw your surgeon for this problem,  as it sounds like you needed a bit of wound care or even a little exploration to be sure all the stitch material was removed.
Carmen Kavali, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Infection after a breast augmentation

My suggestion would be to speak with your plastic surgeon.  While what you are describing does sound like a superficial infection, you would be best evaluated in person by a trained plastic surgeon.   Generally, infection rates after breast augmentation alone is around 2%.  Many are superficial that can be treated with oral antibiotics and/or local wound care.  Your description seems to be consistent with a stitch abscess which can develop from bacteria accumulating... more
Naveen Setty, MD

Plano Plastic Surgeon
+1

Spitting stitch after breast augmentation

Sometimes a stitch place on the inside will come out through the skin.  This spitting stitch will often be seen in the office and taken out.  The skin in this area may be open.  Usually with local wound care, some antibiotics, and time, the wound will close itself up.  Please don't take sutures out yourself.  Please make sure that your plastic surgeon knows what is going on so that he can determine if it is a; spitting stitch,  superficial infection,... more
Jeffrey Roth, MD

Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon
+1

Treatment of Breast Implant infection

What you have described seems more like  a "stitch abscess" than an infection of the breast implant.  Stitch abscesses are not uncommon especially if a lift was done at the same time as augmentation (simply more suture material present).  Stitch abscesses are possible with any type of absorbable suture, but seem to be a little more common with Vicryl suture in my experience.  Local wound care and patience are usually all that are needed. A breast implant... more
Richard H. Fryer, MD

Salt Lake City Plastic Surgeon
+1

Infection After Breast Augmention

While very rare, infection after breast augmentation can be devastating, and may lead to loss of the implant, and even systemic sepsis. The key to managing infection after breast augmentation is to determine whether it is superficial, and therefore, not in contact with the implant, or deep and in contact with the implant, Your infection sounds like it is superficial, likely resulting from an infected know in the suture, Once the know is removed and any loose tissue at the wound edge... more
Karen Vaniver, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Infection after Breast Augmentation

Infection after breast augmentation surgery is extremely rare, but can occur. If the infection is superficial and due to a stitch abscess, it can be treated with local wound care. However, an infection of the implant itself may necessitate surgery and implant exchange or removal.  In our Jacksonville plastic surgery practice, we utilize a multiple methods to prevent an implant infection including only touching the implant once, giving intravenous prophylactic antibiotics, using an... more
Ankit Desai, MD

Jacksonville Plastic Surgeon
+1

How to Deal with Infection After Breast Augmentation

You seem to be having what is called stitch abscess where some bacteria travel through the hair follicle and infect the stitch and cause an abscees. This usually resolves with just local wound care and topical antibiotic which you are already using. It seems that the stitch that was used is long lasting and may have to be removed if not absorbable type. There are two types of breast implant infections. The first will usually occur during the first week after the breast enhancement surgery... more
Tarick K. Smaili, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+1

It all depends if it is superficial or deep!!!

Your surgeon needs to determine if this infection is a superficial wound infection, or a deeper true implant infection. Superficial wound infections do occur, but should not jeopardize the implant as long as it is treated appropriately. Many times patients think that they have a wound infection, and in reality all it is is a suture that is poking through the skin incision. The hallmark of an implant infection is a red, tender breast. Fevers are sometimes associated. A true implant infection... more
Kevin Brenner, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+1

Infection after breast augmentation.

Infection is very rare after breast augmentation. I usually use a technique where there is minimal handling of the implants and minimat contact with the patient's skin. We also use prophylactic antibiotis. In my hands the infection has been extremely rare. Having said that the infection can occur with any surgery and when it happens one needs to remove the implant let everything heal and reinsert the implant months later. You have to be careful to differentiate between a reel... more
Farhad Rafizadeh, MD

Morristown Plastic Surgeon
+1

Infection after breast augmentation surgery

Breast augmentation is the most popular cosmetic surgery in the United States. Like all other cosmetic surgeries, a risk for infection doesn't exist. If you are concerned about the status of your breast implants or feel that you may have infection, it is essential that he returned to your plastic surgeon immediately. They will be concerned as well. They will assess your breast and determine if you indeed have infection and what treatment is necessary. Depending on the severity of the... more
B. Pat Pazmino, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon

www.miamiaesthetic.com

+1

Wound infections after breast augmentation

You do not appear to have an infected breast implant, but a region of delayed wound healing along your breast. With proper wound care, these regions will heal. Do speak with you plastic surgeon and have him personally evaluate this region of your breast.
Scott Sattler, MD

Bellevue Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast implant with possible wound infection

What you describe sounds like a superficial wound infection.  Most importantly, I would follow closely with your plastic surgeon.  This should heal with local wound care, but if an implant infection exists, further surgery may be required.
Dustin L. Reid, MD

Austin Plastic Surgeon

www.restoraaustin.com

+1

Breast implant infections are rare.

Breast implant infections are rare.  Usually the best treatment is to remove the implant, treat the infection, and then replace the implant sometime later.  If the incision, and not the implant. is the problem then local care will usually suffice.  However, these are also unusual and I would be fearful that you have something deeper.  As others have recommended, revisit your surgeon. http://www.zubowicz.com/subpag,13-atlanta-breast-augmentation.htm
Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Infection after breast augmentation

As everyone else has posted, you need to contact and see your surgeon. Infection at the suture line are often related to sutures. These can often be treated with local antibiotics and wound care. For deeper infections, particularly those within the implant capsule, an aggressive approach is warranted. This may include IV antibiotics and sometimes a removal of the implant. Do not try to manage these issues on your own, seek the care of your surgeon!
David Bogue, MD

Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon
+1

Call your surgeon immediately if you suspect infection

You need to call your surgeon immediately for any evidence of infection after breast augmentation. There are several problems with breast implant infections: The implant itself has no blood supply. As such, it cannot adequately fight off infection. In addition, current research has shown that bacteria produce bio-films which effectively wall off the infection from your immune system. By doing so, your body cannot adequately treat the infection and it persists. Finally, studies have... more
Gregory A. Buford, MD

Denver Plastic Surgeon

www.beautybybuford.com

+1

Wound infection VS Implant infection

The evaluation should be by the surgeon NOT the nurse. It is possible you have a suture reaction and may be localized infection. However this should be evaluated thoroughly by the surgeon, blood work, sonogram etc. If this is suspect of implant infection it should be removed with complete capsulectomy , cultures should be taken for regular bacteria and exotic bacteria including Mycobacteria, fungus, and some times must do a tissue culture. SEE YOUR PS IMMEDIATELY.
Samir Shureih, MD

Baltimore Plastic Surgeon
+1

Possible implant versus wound infection: Ask your surgeon

IT sounds as if you are having more of a suture reaction than an implant infection. I concur with the other surgeons and advise you to seek the evaluation by a surgeon. Your wound care may actually do more harm by interfering with the healing process. Discuss your options for managment with your surgeon see video
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast augmentation wound infection vs spitting stitch

While a small "spitting" suture is really nothing to worry about, I would very much prefer your surgeon, NOT a nurse see you and determine whether a wound infection is taking place. IF your surgeon thinks a wound infection is taking place, it needs to be treated promptly and aggressively with the appropriate antibiotics. In other words, the wound need to be cultured and antibiotics need to be chosen based on their ability to kill the specific bacteria present in YOUR wound. The use... more
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast augmentation infection?

If you are having chronic problems with your incision and the wound is open, you  may have an infection. You should see your surgeon immediately to be evaluated. If it is a superficial skin breakdown than local wound care may be all that you need.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

See your surgeon immediately for any type of infection after breast augmentation

An infection is not something that should be neglected. It is important to see your surgeon to evaluate this. Sometimes, there are superficial infections of the stitches that can be treated conservatively. If, however, the infections becomes more global and affects your breast itself, significant intravenous antibiotics will be required, if not removal of the implant. Your surgeon will want to intervene before the small infection becomes a larger one!
Adam David Lowenstein, MD

Santa Barbara Plastic Surgeon
+1

See your Surgeon.

Hello, Whenever there is a wound problem but especially in an early post-operative patient, it is my practice to see post-operative patients as soon as possible to clear things up. Sometimes early intervention can improve the outcome and avoid further problems. I see all the post-operative patients in my private practice. That is my "higher level of care." See your surgeon and show him the area that is bothering you to get this cleared up. Best Regards, John Di Saia MD more
John P. Di Saia, MD

Orange Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast Augmentation Cost in Columbus Ohio

I agree with everyone on this list who has encouraged you to make sure your surgeon is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and that that person is someone you would trust after meeting with them at your consultation. In Columbus, Ohio, our total costs for breast augmentation are currently $4500-5100 for saline implants and $5000-5900 for silicone implants.
Jason Brett Lichten, MD

Columbus Plastic Surgeon

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