I rinsed my JP bulb and now I'm worried bacteria will crawl inside me, can that happen? (Photo)

Question

Please help me, I'm having a panic attack . My JP Bulb was looking a little dirty and I slightly rinsed it out with water and set it back to squeezing. I'm scared now because my husband said that was dangerous now I'm thinking a bacteria is gonna crawl inside me and I'm crying . My doctor is on vacation. Some wonderful doctor on her tell me what to do please

John J. Corey, MD · Answer

Rinse away!!!  It's done all the time and remember the bulb suction provides suction OUT of you, which it is designed to do...  so as long as the bulb holds suction and keeps flat, then no bacteria can crawl up the tube. It would be a long swim upstream and against the current!!!!

Sacha Obaid, MD · Answer

JP drains in the breast after breast implant placement can raise the risk of infection and capsular contracture. As a result, it is important if you do feel there has been a sterility issue, that you communicate it with your surgeon, so that the risks of infection can be weighed against the risks of early removal.  Good luck!

Josh Waltzman, MD, MBA · Answer

Thank you for the question.  In general I do not advise my patients to disconnect the JP bulb from the tubing for the reasons that you mentioned.  Going forward I would recommend just leaving the bulb connected.  Even if it looks "dirty" inside it is ok.  Of course, it is always best to follow your particular surgeon's post op instructions.  If he/she is on vacation, there is likely someone covering their patients.  You can always speak to the covering surgeon until your doctor returns.  Best of luck!

I rinsed my JP bulb and now I'm worried bacteria will crawl inside me, can that happen? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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.

I rinsed my JP bulb and now I'm worried bacteria will crawl inside me, can that happen? (Photo)

Answers (3)

Browse related questions

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.