Should I take antibiotics post Breast Augmentation or not?

This is a controversial topic but here is my opinion. As long as IV antibiotics are given starting before the incision is  made you are probably safe. However, following the advice of your plastic surgeon is key to minimizing problems. In my experienced, the vast majority of all board certified plastic surgeons use antibiotics following breast surgery with implants.  No more than a 24 hour course and as few as a single dose of antibiotics following liposuction is recommended by most experts.

The data supports the use of IV antibiotics given just before the surgery starts.  There is not data to support the continued use of antibiotics after an otherwise uncomplicated breast augmentation and unnecessary antibiotic use can cause complications.  If a surgeon places drains, one might consider antibiotics while the drains are in place.

The subject of antibiotics after surgery can be a little confusing.  The scientific evidence supports the use of IV antibiotics immediate before surgery.  The data says that this is the best way to prevent any infections.  Antibiotics that are continued after a routine surgery may lead to other problems such as the development of drug-resistant bacteria.  However, I would definitely recommend that you discuss this question with your surgeon.  Some surgeons do prescribe antibiotics after surgery for many reasons, while others do not.  It is important that you follow any instructions that your surgeon gives you for pre and post-operative care.  Good luck!

Thank you for the question.Although antibiotics are administered during surgery, it's very important to rake your antibiotics after surgery as well. This is to protect your body as it heals from any infections that can happen.Dr. Campos 

Many peer reviewed medical studies have concluded that only the pre-operative antibiotic is necessary.  This being said it is generally up to each plastic surgeon to determine what is best for each individual.  

There are some studies that show that only one dose is necessary. But many doctors do give patients antibiotics to take for several days after implant placement.

Your question is a timely one. More and more research is coming out that shows antibiotics given intravenously (IV) about 30-60 minutes before an incision is made on a clean surgical case can cut down on post operative infections. However, data/science also suggests that there is no benefit to post operative antibiotics in a clean procedure such as a breast augmentation and there is nothing specifically in the plastic surgery literature to support post operative antibiotics. That being said, many doctors were trained in an era before this scientific data was available, and some people have not changed their practice. They figure that the risk profile of antibiotics is low and the consequence of an infected breast implant is so bad, that even with the data available showing no benefit, it is better to be safe than sorry. I recommend following the instructions given by the surgeon who is treating you. Feel free to discuss your concerns. Good luck with surgery!

Thank you for the question.Although you will find differing opinions on the necessity/efficacy of antibiotics after breast augmentation,  I know of no scientific basis/study  that documents a  decrease incidence  of infection or encapsulation or any other problem associated with breast implants.I hope this helps.

There is good evidence that a single dose of IV antibiotics reduces the risk of wound infection after surgery.  For patients having breast reconstruction for cancer, there is also evidence that post op antibiotics adds further to a reduction in wound infection.However, there is no such evidence that addition oral dosing helps in ordinary breast enlargement surgery. The wound infection rate is not any lower, and it may be that the occasional infection that might occur will be more difficult to treat due to resistence to common antibiotics. All the best. 

When doctors have different routines, that simply means there is no one best answer. You chose your doctor, so follow his advice. I personally only give IV antibiotics on the day of surgery.