Can derma filler cause an infection if I have Staphylococcus aureus?

Question

Four years ago I have a breast lift procedure and my breast didn't want to heal for a year. It's was horrible experience and I was diagnosed with staphylococus aureus. I have a small depressed scar on my shoulder and I want to inject one of the derma filler into it. I would like to know if derma filler will be safe for me ? Maybe botox will be better option ?

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

If you do not have any active infections in the area you wish the dermal filler placed, you should have no problems as long as the skin is properly cleaned before.  If the scar on your shoulder is depressed, Botox will not improve it.  Botox only temporarily paralyses muscles it is injected into, it does not fill skin depressions.  You would need a filler for that.

Karen Stolman, MD · Answer

We do not routinely give prophylactic antibiotics prior to filler injections for the average patient, but there are numerous studies and reviews on the literature regarding the need for prophylactic antibiotics in some higher risk patients for certain more invasive surgeries.  Filler injection, to date is not considered invasive enough to warrant such prophylaxis, but more studies may need to be done. With a remote history of recurrent staph infection, a filler injection is unlikely to cause a new infection, but to lower the risk even further,  I recommend trying topical antibiotic ointment (Neosporin or Bactroban) intranasal 2x/day for a few days within a week of filler treatment.  In addition, would advise that you make sure your skin is cleaned well with hibiclens prior to injection and sterile gloves, and instruments are used and the risk of infection is very low despite your history of staph.

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

You definitely would not want filler injected into an area of active infection. However, if your infection has cleared dermal filler should be totally safe. This is something you will want to discuss with your physician injector prior to treatment so they can ensure that you do not have an elevated risk of infection after treatment of your shoulder scar. Botox would not be helpful to fill a depressed scar as it works by softening muscle movement as opposed to adding volume and lift. I hope this information is helpful for you.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

Can derma filler cause an infection if I have Staphylococcus aureus?

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