Is it ok to be on antibiotics before tummy tuck and breast augmentation surgery?

Question

I had an emergency root canal this morning (8/30) and the dentist put me on antibiotics...however, my surgery is scheduled for this Wednesday. My PS office is closed and I have read that the antibiotics won't hurt anything but I just want to make sure!!!

Michael S. Beckenstein, MD · Answer

If these were prescribed for a routine root canal with no infection, you should proceed with your surgery. Make sure your surgeon knows so he/she can adjust any medication.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Being on antibiotics for a dental procedure prior to your cosmetic surgery should not be an issue. Please make sure that your  anesthesiologist and your plastic surgery are aware of this antibiotic.

John G. Apostolides, MD, FACS · Answer

The main issue is to make sure that there is no infection in the body prior to having Breast implants placed.  If your dental health is stable and there are no active infections then you should be fine to undergo surgery.

Douglas Leppink, MD · Answer

Antibiotics are medications that work with our bodies immune system to eliminate harmful bacteria that can cause infections. A side effect, however, is also removing helpful bacteria, including bacteria on our skin. The change in proportion of good to bad bacteria can actually result in an increase in surgical infections! So our advice to the patients is to continue the antibiotics that they have started, but also try to avoid infections by showering with hibiclens soap the day before surgery and the day of surgery. Eating yogurt or taking pro-biotics may also maintain overall healthy bacteria levels, which may help avoid constipation after surgery.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

Antibiotics will have no effect on your elective cosmetic surgery.  You wan to be sure that your dental infection is cleared prior to surgery and that you do not have an infection.  If cleared you should be okay.

Ahmet R. Karaca, MD · Answer

You should definitely let your surgeon know of the emergency procedure you had but I do not think it will interfere with the planned operation. It is common to use prophylactic antibiotics on the day of the surgery, especially when foreign bodies are used or when it is a combined procedure. So, it is good to have some antibiotics on board if all else is well.

John J. Edney, MD · Answer

Taking antibiotics before this type of surgery should not in itself be a problem.  The bigger question is why you were placed on antibiotics in the first place.  It is very important that you communicate with you plastic surgeon and let your doctor about your root canal.  It is very important that you be free of any infectious process before this type of surgery and make sure that you do not have any loose teeth.

Michael Law, MD · Answer

It is important to share with your plastic surgeon any medications you take, or any medical procedures before surgery.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

The use of antibiotics prior to surgery should not be an issue. Your plastic surgeon will likely be more interested in the details of the dental work performed. You will want to make sure that you are infection free and not have any loose dentition or “fillings” prior to the procedure. Best wishes.

C. Bob Basu, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Antibiotics alone for your dental procedure should not impact your surgery.  However, its best to call your PS as soon as possible to alert them to your dental procedure.  Best wishes.

Is it ok to be on antibiotics before tummy tuck and breast augmentation surgery?

Answers (11)

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