How Can Breast Reduction Infection Be Avoided?

Question

I've heard of a few people who has gotten really bad infections. How can ALL of that be avoided?

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Even under the best of circumstances, there is no way to make the risks of infection zero with any operation. However, we can drastically reduce the risks by using sound principles of science and medicine. The standard therapy involves involves the use of preoperative antibiotics and maintaining a sterile operative field. Talk to your PS about your concerns. Best wishes, Aldo.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Perioperative antibiotics, speedier operative times, and nice healthy tissues with dissection techniques which minimize fat necrosis and tension all tend to reduce infection. The better the blood supply to the tissues after surgery the less the risk for necrosis and infection. Maintenance of a clean post surgical environment is important as well. Overall, the risk is low, and I have not had an infection after lift or reduction.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Good surgical technique and a sterile environment usually translate into a very low infection rate.  Choose a good surgeon and do as he says.

Marialyn Sardo, MD · Answer

Infection following breast reduction surgery is very rare. The risk of infection is possible with any surgical procedure. Avoiding infection is achieved by good surgical technique in an accredited facility and good adherence to post operative instructions. It is also important to recover in a clean environment until wounds are healed. Most doctors will recommend washing the skin the night before and the morning of surgery with antiseptic cleanser. Intravenous antibiotics are usually given prior to surgery and some will follow up with oral antibiotics after surgery. Ask your surgeon for their advice on dressings and wound care following the procedure.

Jeffrey Thaxton, MD FACS · Answer

Infections after breast reduction are not common. Choosing a qualified board certified plastic surgeon performing surgery in an accredited facility is the best way to reduce your risk although it can never be completely eliminated. Breast reduction procedures have a very high patient satisfaction rate, good luck with your future procedure if you elect to procede.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

An infection after surgery can happen with almost any surgery, it is hard to predict.  Infection is more common in smokers and diabetic patients.

Moneer Jaibaji, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. Generally speaking, the risk of infection after breast reduction is low. Like any surgical procedure, prepping the skin, giving antibiotics before surgery and after surgery, proper wound care should prevent infection. Selecting a board certified plastic surgeon for your procedure and having the surgery done in an accredited facility would ensure the appropriate care is provided. Best wishes.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	Unfortunately, it is not possible to completely avoid complications such as infection. However, you can control the selection of your plastic surgeon and thereby the additional “details” that matter, such as the facility where the procedure is performed, the staff involved with the procedure, and the overall attention to detail.

	 Best wishes with the breast reduction procedure; this operation tends to be one of the most patient pleasing operations performed.

Norman M. Rowe, MD · Answer

There are inherent risks with every single surgical procedure, one small risk being infection. The best way to avoid or lessen your chances of these risks is to first make sure to "do you homework" when finding a surgeon. Choose a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in the procedure that you desire. Ask any questions about cleanliness and hygiene during your consultation, and be sure to closely follow your doctor's pre and post operative instructions to lessen your risk of infection. Hope this helps.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

We take all precaution to avoid infections after surgery.  Although, infection is rare, it can happen.  It is best to follow your surgeons post operative instructions for your best result.

How Can Breast Reduction Infection Be Avoided?

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