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.

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.

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.

How Can Breast Reduction Infection Be Avoided?

Answers (10)

Answer: Infections in breast reductions are very uncommon.

Answer: Infections in breast reductions are very uncommon.

Answer: Infection after breast reduction surgery

Answer: Infection after breast reduction surgery

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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

How Can Breast Reduction Infection Be Avoided?

Answers (10)

Answer: Infections in breast reductions are very uncommon.

Answer: Infections in breast reductions are very uncommon.

Answer: Infection after breast reduction surgery

Answer: Infection after breast reduction surgery

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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