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Staph A Infection 6-weeks Post-op Double Mastectomy with Reconstruction, How will this Effect Healing?

asked 8 months ago by Rebraca1
Latest answer by Peter A. Aldea, MD
Question viewed 285 times
Tags: 6 weeks post-op, staph infection

Can you please tell me more about the success rate of healing cellulitis in a reconstructed breast using IV antibiotics (Penicillin G) vs. surgical route? Can cellulitis reoccur? I'm 39 and BRCA1+. I had a bilateral double mastectomy w/reconstruction 7-weeks ago. 1 breast received cohesive gel implant (cellultis side), the other breast has tissue exp. (as skin wouldnt adequately stretch over implant). Also had 3 nodes removed. Pathology was clear of cancer. Any advice/info most appreciated!

2 answers to Staph A Infection 6-weeks Post-op Double Mastectomy with Reconstruction, How will this Effect Healing?

+2

Staph A Infection 6-weeks Post-op Double Mastectomy with Reconstruction, How will this Effect Healing?

Your question would best be answered by your surgeon. In general, it is rare for a surgical infection to come on 6 weeks after surgery unless the tissue has been radiated, has a poor blood supply and there was spread from somewhere else in the body. Aggressive intravenous antibiotic therapy is the only answer and if it is not successful in clearing the infection the underlying implant or tissue expander may have to be removed IF it has been colonized by the bacteria. You need to be seen... more
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+2

Breast Reconstruction

You can treat cellulitis, , if it is limited can be treated well but the treatment has to be aggressive because you have an implant and a tissue expander, to be able to salvage the implant and tissue expander. If the infection is around the implant or the tissue expander, then th eimplAnt has to be removed to be able to treat the infection appropriately. Then you have to wait at least 6 months before you can have the implant or tissue expander inserted back again. more
Samir Shureih, MD

Baltimore Plastic Surgeon

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