what causes infections in the incision marks after Breast Augmentation?

Question

I've seen many pictures of women with horrible infections after BA where their incisions were. what causes these infections and how do infections in affect the time and appearance of the scar in the long term?

Thomas Fiala, MD, FACS, FRCSC · Answer

Bacteria, most commonly from the patient's skin, is the usual cause of wound infections.It is, however, an uncommon issue when good sterile technique is followed.  In our practice, we track the percentage of infection issues after breast implant surgery:  it's less than one-half of one percent, which is very low.You can help to avoid infection issues by using antibacterial soap, wiping the breasts with 2% chlorhexidine wipes prior to surgery, taking your antibiotics as prescribed, and reporting any fever or redness near the incisions to your surgical team.  If you have had skin infections in the past, or live with anyone who currently (or recently) has a skin infection, report this to your surgeon prior to your procedure.

Gregory C. Gaines, MD · Answer

Infections after breast augmentation are caused by the same sorts of bacterial contamination that we see with almost any type of post-operative infection. If an infection is serious enough to cause the skin edges at the incision closure to dehisce or open up, then the scar quality for that incision may be worse in comparison to an incision that did not get infected. It is worthwhile to inquire about your surgeon's infection rate with breast augmentation prior to deciding upon where you will have your operation done, and most surgeons are proud to offer you a preoperative tour of their O.R. facilities if you express an interest. After surgery, it is important to follow your doctor's instructions for cleaning/showering these areas, as well as any post-op antibiotic regimen or dressing change/application specified. The good news is that infection of the incisions from a breast augmentation are a relatively rare occurrence (they just seem to be more common on forums like these because these are the places that people come for advice on problems when they arise).

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

are extremely rare and I have never seen one myself in my own practice.  But it can happen and you must be willing to accept that risk in order to have your procedure.

Megan Jack, MD · Answer

Generally speaking a true infection of a breast augmentation incision is fairly uncommon and should be well under 5% of cases.  Occasionally there is a problem with healing the incision for one reason or another and the incision is not actually infected.  Most commonly, if one of those rare infections does occur with proper treatment under the guidance of your plastic surgeon, the incision should still heal quite well.  Often times the scars can also have laser treatments to improve their appearance.  If all else fails and you are unhappy with the appearance a scar revision can be performed under local anesthesia 6 months or more after healing where the old scar is removed and a new one made.

what causes infections in the incision marks after Breast Augmentation?

Answers (4)

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