How to Tell if Breast Implants Are Infected?

Question

hi, i had a breast augmentation on 7th april 2010, everything went fine, stitches out then scabbed up as normal then i kncked the scab off and it got infected, ive been on antibiotics for a week nearly but no imrovement and the scar has kind of split open. its pussing alot to. soo worried, don't want it out waited too long for breasts :)

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Your plastic surgeon should be able to determine if this is possible. Signs include fever redness swelling etvc.

Armando Soto, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi there-

	Because they are fundamentally foreign bodies, when implants are involved in an infectious process the symptoms are usually not at all subtle...

	If you have a bit of pus from the incision but none of these more severe symptoms, I would think that your problem is confined to the skin. If you are developing one or more of these larger problems, the implants need to come out asap.

	Of course, only your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon will have the knowledge of your particular situation and experience necessary to make the final determination- you should call them and pay a visit to the office if you are concerned about this.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Infected implants usually present with soreness, redness, and pain of the breast sometimes even with enlargement of the breasts due to swelling. You ma y just have a stitch abscess of small area of dehiscence.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Fever, chills, red areas on breasts, pain swelling, purulent odorous drainage are just a few things to indicate an infected implant. Call your PS ASAP!

	From Miami Dr. B

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

From your description is is hard to tell WHO put you on antibiotics. IF it was your Plastic surgeon, then I think it is time to discuss what the next step in management of these possibly infected implants may be: change combination of oral antibiotics, switch to intravenous antibiotics or surgery to remove the implants. IF another doctor wrote for the antibiotics, I would urge you to see your surgeon immediately. Only he should be managing this issue.

Michael C. Edwards, MD, FACS · Answer

If you have drainage from your incisions there is a chance you have an infection around your implants. I concur with the other plastic surgeons that you need to see your plastic surgeon as soon as possible so that they can evaluate you and make a decision about what treatment you need.

	Dr Edwards

Nina S. Naidu, MD, FACS · Answer

I agree, call your plastic surgeon so that you can be evaluated as soon as possible. An infected implant needs to followed closely to ensure that it does not make you systemically ill. Good luck, /nsn.

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD · Answer

Don't treat yourself. Go see your plastic surgeon if you haven't already done so. he or she should be able to treat you appropriately. If the implant is not exposed, local wound care and antibiotics should take care of the problem.

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