Can Infection from a Breast Aug Travel to Another Part of the Body, Like the Finger?

asked 6 months ago by Indianamommy
Latest answer by Remus Repta, MD
Question viewed 134 times
Tags: 18 months post-op, infection, migration, multiple

I am 31 years old with three children. I am 5'8" and 110 lbs. I had a breast augmentation a year and a half ago. I bottomed out three times, had strattice placed the fourth time, three months later had infection, removal of implants, and had them replaced 6 months ago. Needless to say, I had 7 surgeries in a year and a half. My middle finger is red and swollen, similar to how my breast was from infection before. Can infection from a breast augmentation travel to another part of the body?

10 answers to Can Infection from a Breast Aug Travel to Another Part of the Body, Like the Finger?

Sounds like an isolated finger infection

Hello, It sounds like you currently have a finger infection but no breast infection, correct? If this is the case your finger infection is an isolated event. Although infections can spread it would highly unusual to have an active breast infection spread to your finger. When such infections do occur they usually co-exist. That is, one infection is present in the same time frame as the other. All the best, Dr Repta

Remus Repta, MD
Phoenix Plastic Surgeon

www.aaaplasticsurgery.com

Spread of breast infection

Yes, infections can travel from one location to another in your body by the blood stream or lymphatic system. However, in your case, it seems unlikely that your finger infection is related to your previous breast infections since your breast infection was quite a while ago. On the other hand, the infection in your finger can spread and effect your implants. Thus, getting you finger infection cared for should be a priority.

Todd C. Case, MD
Tucson Plastic Surgeon

Will a Breast Infection Spread

As you have been told, an infection in one part of the body can spread to another location through the bloodstream. However, in your case it seems unlikely because you had your last surgery 6 months ago, and, more importantly, if the infection was severe enough to give you a swollen infected finger, you would certainly be expected to have symptoms at least as severe in your breast. Finger infections can become serious problems very quickly and have lasting effects, so be sure to get this... more

Joseph Fata, M.D.
Indianapolis Plastic Surgeon

www.breastsurgeryindianapolis.com

Breast augmentation and infection in the finger

It is far more likely that infection in another part of the body would spread to the breast because the implant is a foreign body and can hold onto infection. Despite that it's unlikely that the breasts led to this infection your finger it's not impossible. With the amount of problems you had this one thing that I think you and your doctor should consider. This is an atypical type of infection a fungal infection are a mycobacterial infection as opposed to a bacterial infection... more

Wendell Perry, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

Finger infectiona nd breast infection

It is highly unlikely that your finger infection is related to your breast infection. Either way, you should have the finger evlaluated and treated accordingly.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

It is possible

For infection to spread systemically. If the bacteria got into your blood stream, it is possible that you have a vegitation on your heart valve. These vegitations can become septic emboli and cause infections in terminal parts of your body (ie- fingers, toes) which can manifest months later. You should see your primary care doctor to be worked up further.

Kamran Khoobehi, MD
New Orleans Plastic Surgeon

Systematic spread of infection after augmentation

Any infection, if left untreated, could spread systematically. However, it is extremely unlikely that, six months after surgery, an infection could re-arise in a different part of the body. You should obviously see a physician for evaluation of the finger.

Robert L. Kraft, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Finger infection Related to Breast Infection?

Thank you for the question. Although the signs and symptoms (“red and swollen”) may be very similar, it is unlikely that your finger infection is related to your breast infection 6 months ago. It would be very unusual for bacteria to to lie “dormant” for that period of time only to infect another body part. Nevertheless, it will be important for you to be evaluated and treated for the finger infection. If cultures are taken it will be interesting... more

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

www.poustiplasticsurgery.com

Breast implant infection

It sounds like you've been through a lot with your breast augmentation. It seems unlikely that an infection in your finger developed from past breast implant infections. You should see a physician about your finger to ensure that that infection doesn't spread elsewhere. It is possible that an infection in a remote location such as your finger could result in "seeding" of bacteria on your implant, so make sure that your finger infection gets treated promptly. more

David Yan, MD
Southport Plastic Surgeon

Did My Breast Implant Infect My Finger?

Dear IndianaMommy, I am sorry to hear about the many problems you have had with your breast augmentation procedures. While it is possible for infections to spread from one part of the body to another area, this usually occurs when there is an active infection at the first site. Since you noted that your last surgery was six months ago and did not comment about having any more symptoms of infection around your implants, it is unlikely that your implants are the source of the... more