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Antibiotics after breast augmentation?

For my breast augmentation I was prescribed 5 days worth of keflex. Is this enough? I feel like maybe 7 to 10 days would be beneficial.

Doctor Answers 16

Antibiotics after breast augmentation?

June 1st, 2016
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In most cases, if you were given antibiotics during surgery, you do not need antibiotics after surgery as there is no benefit but may be more risk. 
Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS


Chicago Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 68 reviews

Antibiotics after breast augmentation.

May 31st, 2016
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     Antibiotics are given in the I.V. just before your breast augmentation to help prevent an infection.  Although studies suggest that the one dose is sufficient, many physicians will prescribe additional doses.  The 5 days that you were prescribed is certainly enough.
John Zavell, MD, FACS

John Zavell, MD, FACS
Toledo Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 38 reviews

Antibiotics after breast augmentation? = length of therapy has not been standardized among all surgeons #breastaugmentation

May 30th, 2016
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Duration of antibiotic prophylaxis after breast augmentation is a hot topic among plastic surgeons. The duration varies between just 3 days to 5 days and some times up to 7 days and 12 to 14 days.

Patients should follow up the length of prophylasix recommended by their plastic surgeon, that very likely in his or her hands, allows to have the best outcome for his/her patients. 

Web reference: http://www.drmesa.com/breast-procedures-new-jersey/breast-augmentation/

John Mesa, MD

John Mesa, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 128 reviews

Antibiotics after breast augmentation

May 30th, 2016
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For a routine breast augmentation there is no proven benefit to any antibiotic use other than a single preoperative IV dose.  All antibiotic use carries risk but especially giving too many antibiotics increases the chances of developing C.diff, which is an overgrowth of bad bacteria in the colon. 
Jason E. Leedy, MD

Jason E. Leedy, MD
Cleveland Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 130 reviews

Antibiotics after breast augmetation?

May 27th, 2016
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There have been several very good studies looking at the question of antibiotics and breast augmentation. The consensus is that a single strong intravenous dose of a broad-spectrum antibiotic given just before the procedure begins is best. Occasionally, if a surgeon has reason to be concerned about a risk for delayed infection then a short course of antibiotics may be used. Limiting antibiotic use is appropriate, as over use of antibiotics can result in the growth of resistant aggressive bacteria. Remember that steps are always taken during surgery (soaking the implant in antibiotics, re-prepping the skin, etc.) to prevent implant infection as well.
Douglas Leppink, MD

Douglas Leppink, MD
Grand Rapids Plastic Surgeon
4.8 out of 5 stars 26 reviews

Breast augmentation and keflex

May 26th, 2016
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Some surgeons only precribe one dose in the Operating room while others give several days to a week or more.  Best to ask your surgeon.

Web reference: https://www.stevenwallachmd.com/breast-procedures/breast-augmentation-new-york/

Steven Wallach, MD

Steven Wallach, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon
4.1 out of 5 stars 29 reviews

Do I Need Antibiotics After Breast Augmentation? #breastimplants #breastaugmentation

May 26th, 2016
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  • I rarely prescribe antibiotics for my breast augmentation patients. 
  • Each patient receives a dose of IV antibiotic in the operating room prior to any incision being made. 
  • Additionally, the implants are bathed in triple antibiotic solution prior to being placed. 
  • If your plastic surgeon prescribe 5 days of antibiotics, that should be sufficient. 

Web reference: http://www.dr-cooper.com/progallery/breast-augmentation/breast-augmentation-1

Joshua Cooper, MD, FACS

Joshua Cooper, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 44 reviews

Antibiotics after breast augmentation?

May 26th, 2016
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Antibiotics after breast augmentation are not necessary generally and current practice guidelines indicate an antibiotic be given as a single dose right before the surgical procedure.  Unless there is something special about your health history or your procedure you should not need to take any additional antibiotics afterward.

Web reference: http://peterejohnsonmd.com/breast-enhancement/breast-augmentation/

Peter E. Johnson, MD

Peter E. Johnson, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
4.0 out of 5 stars 43 reviews

Antibiotics

May 26th, 2016
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Antibiotics, when taken more than needed, can actually be harmful.  If they were only helpful, then why not take antibiotics all the time for the rest of our lives?  So, there is a balance that must be struck.

Some surgeons feel that only the IV antibiotics given just before surgery are sufficient, while others feel more comfortable prescribing antibiotics for a limited amount of time postoperatively.  5 days is likely sufficient, if not even "overly cautious" in a clean, elective breast implant case.

Michael A. Epstein, MD, FACS

Michael A. Epstein, MD, FACS
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 49 reviews

Antibiotic

May 26th, 2016
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Thank you for your question.  Postoperative antibiotic protocol differs from surgeon to surgeon.  Research studies have shown that antibiotics given during the surgery through I.V only is enough to reduce the risk of infection.  Talk with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon about your antibiotic concern. 
Frederick G. Weniger, MD, FACS, MBA

Frederick G. Weniger, MD, FACS, MBA
Hilton Head Island Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 33 reviews

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.