Have I got an infection after breast augmentation? Surgery was 12 days ago. (Photo)

Question

I had my surgery on the 8th October 2014 and recovery has been perfect since I woke up yesterday morning to intense itching on the right and left hand side of my breasts. I had tuberous breasts before the procedure and had 330cc high implants. The redness is quite hot to touch and itchy, i'm not sure if this is a infection or the skin stretching. If it is an infection, can you please advise on what to do next, will I need my implants out?

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Infection is a rare but serious complication of breast augmentation. Signs/symptoms typically include redness, swelling, warmth, increasing pain. In more series cases, there can be drainage or constitutional symptoms (fever, chills etc.). If you are concerned, you should contact your board certified plastic surgeon as soon as possible so that treatment can be initiated.

Angela Champion, MD · Answer

Signs of infection include redness, warmth, chills, swelling, pain so it would be a good idea to go see your surgeon as a precautionary measure.  From the photos, since the redness is on both sides of the breast, it may be dermatitis from steri-strips, tape or if you are wearing a new bra.  Keep an eye on it and go see your surgeon for an in-office exam.  ac

Robert Sleightholm, MD · Answer

Breast infection usually presents with clear signs of infection - redness, tenderness. swelling, temperature (including chills).  It is unusual to have both breasts infected.  It would be also unusual to have the same reaction at the same location on both breasts.  I note that you still have tape over the incisions.  Did the tape extend over the areas of concern?  The site is inflamed,  It has the presentation of a contact dermatitis rather than infection.  Contact dermatitis can be treated with a topical steroid.  It will spontaneously resolve.

Heather J. Furnas, MD · Answer

You should see your plastic surgeon right away. Redness and warmth are associated with infection, so it's important that you be see so you can be treated if you do have an infection.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

You need an in person examination by your plastic surgeon for a proper diagnosis.  My suspicion is that the symmetrical rash may be a topical dermatitis due to Steri-Strips or tape.However infection is a very serious complication and you need an examination to make certain that you do not have an infection.  Please see your plastic surgeon.

Have I got an infection after breast augmentation? Surgery was 12 days ago. (Photo)

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Answer: Is This an Infection after Breast Augmentation?

Answer: Is This an Infection after Breast Augmentation?

Answer: Have I got an infection after breast augmentation? Surgery was 12 days ago.

Answer: Have I got an infection after breast augmentation? Surgery was 12 days ago.

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Have I got an infection after breast augmentation? Surgery was 12 days ago. (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Is This an Infection after Breast Augmentation?

Answer: Is This an Infection after Breast Augmentation?

Answer: Have I got an infection after breast augmentation? Surgery was 12 days ago.

Answer: Have I got an infection after breast augmentation? Surgery was 12 days ago.

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.