Breast Augmentation: Q&A

Ask a Question

Infection after breast augmentation surgery

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.

Tags:

infection complication

Comment on this

49 Doctor Answers | Asked by anon

Doctor Answers (49)
Community Comments (0)

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

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

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

You might also like...

Real Stories

My BA Experience - Houston, TX

I have been thinking of getting a breast augmentation done since I was in high school. My...

Before + After Photos

View 6868 Breast Augmentation photos

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

Doctors will not see your comments on their answers. If you'd like to follow up, please go here to ask another question.

Comments (0)

Ask a Question

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.