Infection After Breast Augmentation and Lift

asked 3 years ago by Jaazy in Spring hill, Florida
Latest answer by Remus Repta, MD
Question viewed 14,116 times

Does this look Normal for a second surgery? I had a major infection. Should I have been put on oral antibiotics to prevent infection? I originally had a lift and an augmentation - October, 08. Now, I just had them redone - April 08.

The left one was the original problem and now seems to be again. I asked my PS to put me on oral antibiotics and he said that he doesn't recommend orals after surgery because he gave me a dose before and after my surgery. I insisted and he gave me Augementin 875mg 2x per day. Advice?

10 answers to Infection After Breast Augmentation and Lift

Breast incision appearence

Hello, Your photo appears to show incisions that have healed wide as opposed to infection. If you did not have an infection during your recovery than not taking antibiotics had no affect. Incisions can heal wide or visible secondary to many factors including technique, tension, genetics, and many others. I would discuss this with your plastic surgeon regarding timing of re-evaluation and the decision of whether or not to proceed with scar revision. All the best... more

Remus Repta, MD
Phoenix Plastic Surgeon

www.aaaplasticsurgery.com

Infection?

It's difficult to give you advice based on your description and photo. Oral antibiotics are not often an issue if there's a question of infection.

Scott E. Newman, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

www.psurgery.com

Infection post breast augmentation

Based on the photographs, it seems that your redness is very focal to the area around the incision. The main portion of the breast appears to be uninvolved. Could it be that you may be reacting the sutures that are used for the internal dermal suturing? Sometimes, sutures like vicryl and monocryl can cause a reaction like the one around your incision. Please check with your surgeon for that possibility. Good luck with this issue.

Bhupesh Vasisht, MD
Voorhees Plastic Surgeon

Trust in your Plastic Surgeon

The signs of infection have already been listed here. When in doubt, contact your plastic surgeon and schedule an appointment to been seen. I do not disagree with your plastic surgeon's recommendations on antibiotics. The important thing is that if you have a concern, you should contact your surgeon.

Christine Sullivan, MD
Columbus Plastic Surgeon

Breast lift revision

An augmentation mastopexy is the reason for the most litigation of plastic all surgery cases. This indicates it is a procedure where complications of varying degrees are not uncommon. Based upon the pic provided, it does not appear to be infected. I give all breast augmentation patients antibiotics, but this is not mandatory. See your doctor and don't be afraid to ask questions. Good Luck!

Jason R. Hess, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

No scientific evidence that antibiotics decrease the risk of infection in breast augmentation.

Even though many plastic surgeons administer antibiotics to breast augmentation patients (me too), there is no evidence that they reduce the risk of operative infection. I would not disagree with your plastic surgeon.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Trust your surgeon

I agree with the points made above. Go to your surgeon and ask him or her. Infections of breast implants are usually very obvious. Hot, red, tender, fever, chills, eventuallly pus and exposure of the implant. They are rarely subtle.................gs

Grant Stevens, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Please see your surgeon for your breast surgery concern

It sure does not look like an infection from the photo. But please, please, please go see your surgeon. Don't get a bunch of opinions from some"experts" typing on computers thousands of miles away. You trusted your surgeon to operate, let him/her take care of you now. Good Luck.

Jack Gelman, MD
Frankfort Plastic Surgeon

No Infection

Infection is very apparent when it happens. The tissues are red and if it's really bad there will be pus from the incisions. I don't see any redness in the picture. The use of antibiotics is different for everyone. What your surgeon did is very appropriate. I'm sure if he felt there was an infection he would have you on antibiotics. Give it time, you will heal.

Christopher L. Hess, MD
Fairfax Plastic Surgeon

www.hessplasticsurgery.com

No problems after breast augmentation and lift

From what I can tell from your picture, results from the second procedure look good and normal. Signs of infection would include: redness, inflammation, foul smells, green discharge or seepage/oozing, chills, fever. If you believe you have an infection, please see your doctor to avoid...