How Do Plastic Surgeons Re-sterlize a Breast Implant in Revision Surgery when Reusing the Same Implant?

asked 4 months ago by islandcheif in NY
Latest answer by Rod J. Rohrich, MD
Question viewed 234 times
Tags: protocol, reuse

11 answers to How Do Plastic Surgeons Re-sterlize a Breast Implant in Revision Surgery when Reusing the Same Implant?

Re-Sterilizing Breast Implants

In general, it is not recommended to re-sterilize an implant for revisional surgery or use the same implant unless there are unusual extenuating circumstances. In most cases, it is recommended to use a new implant.

Rod J. Rohrich, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon

The implants that are reused are sterile

As stated by other surgeons,the implants are reused in same patient and same surgery. If the revision is more than few years after original surgery, it would be better to use new implants.

Kamran Khoobehi, MD
New Orleans Plastic Surgeon

Re-sterilizing Breast Implant During a Revision

Since an implant is considered sterile while it is in the body, it does not need to be re-sterilized as long as sterility is maintained during surgery. The implant product sheet states that implants should not be re-sterilized.

Karol A. Gutowski, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Keeping it sterile during surgery.....

Hello, Breast implants do not have to be retreated for sterility if that sterility is maintained once they are removed. If they are damaged in any way they are better replaced with newer models. Best Regards, John Di Saia MD see video

John P. Di Saia, MD
Orange Plastic Surgeon

How Do Plastic Surgeons Re-sterlize a Breast Implant in Revision Surgery when Reusing the Same Implant?

Implants that are inside the body and are problem free are presumed to be sterile, so if we go back to surgery for some type of correction and we are going to use the same implant that is already in the patient, there is no need to further sterilize it. But we do rinse it in an antibiotic solution and the capsule it was sitting in as well...

John J. Corey, MD
Phoenix Plastic Surgeon

Breast Implants Are Not Re-Sterilized

Breast implants are not re-sterilized for reuse or reinsertion in surgery. That would not be a recommended practice by the manufacturers and the integrity of the shell or the sterilty of the implant could not be guaranteed. If the implant is contaminated, it would be discarded. As long as an indwelling breast implant remains sterile, regardless of what is being done around it, then it does not need to be re-sterilized.

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD
Indianapolis Plastic Surgeon

Reusing a Breast Implant at the Time of Revision Surgery

A new implant is advisable when possible at the time of breast implant revision surgery. Sometimes the added expense makes it reasonable ro re-use the implant that is in place. If there is no sign of infection, the implant is removed, washed in sterile saline followed by an antibiotic solution. The implant pocket is usually rinsed with an antibiotic solution as well. Implants more than a few years old are not worth re-using as they may have outlived their usefulness. more

Mary Lee Peters, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Revision using the same breast implant

Hopfully, revision after breast augmentation is very infrequent, though at times a pocket problem might occur. If the implant is recent and the sterility maintained during the procedure the implant can be reused, though never resterilized if contaminated. We are reluctant with older implants over five years as there is less 'usable life' left. Also in the case of capsular contracture, the implant is considered possibly contaminated and is not reused. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd.com more

Peter E. Johnson, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Can not re-sterilize a breast implant

Many times a patient will require some revision of the breast implant pocket. The implant is removed in a sterile fashion, placed in an antibiotic bath and then re-inserted, also in sterile fashion. If the implant is contaminated or there is evidence of exposure of the implant it can not be re-sterilized and re-used.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Implant Use During Revisions

In general, if the implant is removed temporarily during a revision, and then placed back into the pocket, most surgeons soak the implant in anitibiotic solution, betadine, or both. The implant manufacturers recommend only using the implant once, so that once it comes out it should not go back in. However, in reality, there are many times that the implant can be placed back in the pocket. As long as the implant comes out in a sterile fashion, is kept in some sort of... more

Christopher V. Pelletiere, MD
Barrington Plastic Surgeon

Implant sterility

When revising a breast augmentation if the plan is to reuse the original implants the sterility of the implants is maintained as they are removed from the body. It is a good idea to wash them with sterile saline and let them soak in an antibiotic solution while the breast are being worked on, when needed the implants are then reinserted.