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MRSA Prior to Plastic Surgery and Antibiotic Allergies, What Antibiotic Options Are there if I Have a TT?

I was told last summer that I may have had a MRSA infection. It was never cultured or tested, but I was given medications to treat it as if it was one. My question is two parts: Am I still a candidate for a tummy tuck if I have had a MRSA infection in the past? I am allergic to Pennicillian, Zythromax (Z-Pack), Clindamycin and Sulfa Drugs. Are there still antibiotic options for me if I have a tummy tuck?

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16 Doctor Answers | Asked by Erin Woodridge in Woodridge, Illinois

Doctor Answers (16)
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Questionable Past MRSA infection and Tummy Tuck

It is not clinically documented (by bacterial culture) that you had an MRSA infection, but you still may take precautions. Schedule a consultation with you internal medicine doctor and ask for recomendations for testing family members, as well as your environment. If any of these persons test positive they may be treated with anti-staph (MRSA) oinment and referred to an infectious disease specialist. Prior to surgery you should be given pre-operative antibiotics that the MRSA... more

Prior MRSA and future surgery.

Thank you for your question. I would think the first question that I would ask is how do you know that you had a Methicillin Resistant Staph Aureus infection? In answer to your questions-yes, you would be a candidate for a tummy tuck and yes, there are other antibiotic options. I would ,however, suggest that you obtain an infectious disease consultation to sort this question out before undergoing any surgery.

MRSA and tummy tuck

Yes, you can still have a tummy tuck if you have had MRSA in the past. Yes, there are antibiotic options for you if you have a tummy tuck. Make certain all your doctors know your past history and follow their recommendations for precautions. A consultation with an infectious disease doctor can provide valuable information on anything you may need to do before, during, and after any future surgery. I wish you well.

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History of MRSA and its affect on future surgery

If patients have a specific history of an MRSA infection (Methicillin resistant staph infection), a nasal swab test / culture can identify if they are a carrier of this bacteria and appropriate prophylactic therapy can be instituted to reduce future risk. With appropriate treatment, a patient in this category should still maintain a low risk of infection and would still be considered a candidate for abdominoplasty if otherwise appropriate. There are many different types /... more

What is MRSA and does it affect getting a tummy tuck

Hello, MRSA is actually a very common bacteria (at least it is common now). It is actually not a very aggressive bacteria, its notoriety is more related to its resistance to certain antibiotics. It sounds like you may or may not have had a MRSA infection. As such, you would be placed on basic antibiotic prevention. You really have the same type of risk of infection from surgery as any other patient which is pretty low. All the best, Dr Repta more

MRSA and Antibiotics Prior To Tummy Tuck Surgery

Your prior history of alleged MRSA does not preclude you from having a tummy tuck or any other surgery. With this history, however, it would be important to know that you are not an active carrier which could pose a problem for you after surgery or for other patients in the surgical facility. A nasal swab test is all that you need. There are numerous other antibiotics that could be used for tummy tuck surgery including a very common one that you did not list as an allergy,... more

Past MRSA Infection and Risks with Tummy Tuck

There are a few things one can do to minimize the risk of infection after a tummy tuck. If others in your home had MRSA infections, then you need to be sure it is cleared from your surroundings before considering surgery. You may want to discuss this with your primary care doctor. A nasal swab for MRSA may determine if you carry MRSA (many people in the Chicago area do carry it without having any problems) and if so, an antibiotic ointment can be given to clear it from your... more

Tummy Tuck With Past MRSA Infection

It is a bit unusual for one to be treated for MRSA without a positive culture. I agree with Dr. Abramson that you should have a nasal swab culture done. This does not preclude your undergoing a tummy tuck. I always give a single injection of antibiotic (typically a Cephalosporin) one hour prior to surgery. In your case, I would probably use Vancomycin for the antibiotic.

History of possible MRSA

You can get screened for MRSA (via a nasal swab or a "MRSA probe"). Regardless, unless you have an active infection, you are not contraindicated to undergo the surgery. Furthermore, I am not convinced you had MRSA in the 1st place without a culture to prove that.

MRSA infection and Tummy Tuck?

Thank you for the question. Nothing that you have described should preclude you from having a safe tummy tuck operation. If you are concerned you could see a infectious disease specialists who will do the appropriate cultures/ swabs to test for MR SA colonization. At some point, you should probably also see an allergist to see what antibiotics you are truly allergic to. You may find that you are not truly allergic to many of these antibiotics ( but have had side effects instead).... more

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