Risk of Infection After Facial Implant?

asked 6 months ago by PTuv
Latest answer by William Portuese, MD
Question viewed 174 times
Tags: infection, risk

Could you give me some figures on the prevalence of infections after a facial(chin/cheek/jaw) implant. 1 out of …? How many get an infection? Based on your own experience. And how many of these cannot be treated/healed with antibiotics, but must instead remove their implants? Is it easier to get an infection around a silicone implant than porex implant? Thanks in advance.

6 answers to Risk of Infection After Facial Implant?

Facial implants and infections

Hello Infections are a concern that we take seriously with every surgery. The incidence of infection depends on the location and surgical approach. For example, placing a chin implant from inside of the mouth would have a greater risk then the same implant placed from an incision under then chin. However, implant infections should be relatively low, usually around 1-5%. Generally speaking, it is more common to have concerns with asymmetry, improper size or... more

Christopher Kolstad, MD
San Diego Facial Plastic Surgeon

The Incidence And Management Of Facial Implant Infections

The incidence of infection of any facial implant always exists and is often quoted as being around 1%. My experience has been that it is higher than that, probably closer to 2% to 3%%. There are several factors that do increase the risk of infection including an intraoral placement, the simultaneous insertion of multiple implants at the same time and the use of porous implant materials. Once an implant gets infected, the initial approach is the use of oral antibiotics but this will rarely be... more

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD
Indianapolis Plastic Surgeon

Facial implants and infection

I only have used silicone implants. Considering all the necessary precauions are observed, the incidence of infection should be around 2-3 per cent. Infected implants have to be removed. Administration of antibiotics before, during and after surgery is a good idea and reduces the chances of infection, at least in my experiences.

Fereydoon S. Mahjouri, MD
Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon

Infected facial implants

It's good that you are looking at the surgery realistically. It is always possible to get an infection during any surgery. You can lessen your risk by making sure you have a well experienced and board certified plastic surgeon and that the surgery is performed in a licensed and accredited facility. I have been doing facial implants for almost thirty years and have had three infectiions. I personally never leave in any type of infected implant. It is removed and replaced several months later. more

Ronald V. DeMars, MD
Portland Plastic Surgeon

Risk of infection after facial implant

The risk of infection after silastic implants is extremely rare. We do place patients on antibiotics before, during, and after the procedure. Any type of implant with porous holes is much more susceptible to infection and will need to be removed immediately upon becoming infected. Silicone facial implants are very well tolerated by patients.

William Portuese, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.seattlefacial.com

The risk of infection of many synthetic facial implants is less than 5%.

Great question. My experience is mainly with ePTFE (GoreTex) nasal implants and silastic (rubberized silicone) chin implants. In either situation, I advise my patients that there is a low likelihood of infection, less than 5% of procedures. If infection occurs, antibiotics may remedy the situation. But if infection becomes recurrent, The nasal or chin implant may need to be removed. In my experience, silastic implants may be easier to remove than ePTFE. Hope this helps. Dr. Joseph more

Eric M. Joseph, MD
West Orange Facial Plastic Surgeon

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