Breast Implants Q&A
80%
WORTH IT RATING
"Worth It Rating" shows the % of consumer reviewers that stated the procedure was "Worth It" or not. See more RealSelf Worth It Ratings or Add Your Review
1,009 Reviews
Breast Implantsbefore & after photos
View Before and Afters

Average Breast Implants Cost: $6,000

Learn about Breast Implants

4,932 people and 832 doctors are talking about Breast Implants

Get Free Email Updates

Signs of a Contaminated Breast Pocket?

asked 3 years ago by imnyc in New York
Latest answer by Steven Wallach, MD
Question viewed 937 times

I have a hole/wound right at my crease (I had areola incision...the hole was the result of suture rejection from a scar revision of a prior drainage tube placement).

The wound has not closed, so my doctor may perform a fistulogram to see where the fluid is coming from. Prior culture showed no growth. I tried to keep it clean however I'm still concerned the breast implant pocket might get contaminated or infected. What signs should I look for?

If an implant pocket is 'contaminated' but not 'infected', what are the possible long-term complications? Your opinion is much appreciated.

8 answers to Signs of a Contaminated Breast Pocket?

+1

Chronic wound in breast

A chronic wound of the breast usually signifies an infection and most likely you will need to have your implant removed. I would review this with your doctor.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

If this is a chronic wound, breast implant needs to be removed.

Hi. I have answered a question for you before.  Your story does not sound good.  Negative culture not helpful.  In this setting, breast implants usually have to be removed.
George J. Beraka, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Risks of wounds near breast implants

Hello, Wounds near implants can mean trouble. It can be hard to tell if your implant is exposed or not. If you implant pocket becomes infected it will likely lead to hardening (contracture) and this may be hard to fix. You need to follow your surgeon's plan and be seen frequently as this process is sorted out.
John P. Di Saia, MD

Orange Plastic Surgeon
+1

Exposed implant

IM, Contamination or colonization of an implant will likely lead to infection. The implant needs to be removed and the pocket irrigated to wash out the bacteria. Depending on how severe the contamination is, the implants may have to be removed for awhile. If there is progression to infection, you may experience fever, redness, tenderness, drainage of pus. Good luck!
Kenneth R. Francis, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

www.francisnyplasticsurgery.com

+1

If the hole is still in continuity with the breast implant pocket, you may have problems

If the hole is still in continuity with the breast implant pocket, then you may have problems with continued infection. This will likely require removal of the implant and long-term antibiotics to completely clear the infection. After six months to a year, you could then have the implant replaced.
David Shafer, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

My Thoughts.

A negative culture may not mean anything. Signs of contamination are very subtle. They may be cotinued drainage, odor, non-healing wound. An infection on the other hand, which may progress from the contamination will have redness, warmth, tenderness, swelling. In the event of contamination, this may be very difficult to clear even with powerful antibiotics with the implant in place. The long term thing to consider are possible infection later on , or progression to an infection at a... more
Scott E. Kasden, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+1

Several things to look for in breast pocket contamination

If this drainage tract is communicating with the implant there is presumed contamination of the pocket. It will need to irrigated and drained with the wound completely excised. This will help diminish the chance of infection. A fistulagram is a good way to determine coomunication. Infection signs are redness, swelling, fever, soreness. Good Luck!
Michael S. Beckenstein, MD

Birmingham Plastic Surgeon
+1

Contamination will lead to infection

By definition, contamination means the presence of bacterial (or fungal) organisms. Because the implant is a foreign body that can't naturally fight the infection, the contamination will eventually lead to infection as the organism multiplies and produces clinical symptoms. If there is fluid coming from the site, it is almost diagnostic of a fistula into the implant pocket. It should be a relatively simple matter of debriding the track and closing the wound after irrigating the pocket out.... more
Robin T.W. Yuan, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Ask a question