Could breaking out after breast augmentation cause an infection?

Question

I had my BA surgery 3 weeks ago and I started breaking out since the first week. I didn’t touch the pimples but today I started to develop more and started popping them. I’m wondering if this could cause an infection? I cleaned the pimples with alcohol.

Paul M. Parker, MD, FACS · Answer

Your incisions should be healed at 3 weeks post surgery and infection would be unlikely at that point. Might make sense to see your dermatologist to get the acne under control, however. Keep you surgeon informed.

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

cio90. I recommend that you check in with your plastic surgeon to evaluate the pimples, especially if they are anywhere near the incision sites. Wash the areas daily with soap and water as well. Best of luck.

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

Your BA incisions should be pretty well sealed by now (3 weeks post-op), so the concern would be popping pimples and getting any bacteria-laden contents on your fingers, and from there to your incisions. Cleaning with alcohol before popping does nothing to reduce the bacteria in the contaminated sebum (or frank pus), so it would be more important to cleanse your skin and your fingers AFTER you pop the pimples, AND to keep your hands away from those incisions!However, the simple and correct answer is: "Yes." Or a capsular contracture.But the likelihood is probably low.I do hate that word probably.Best wishes, Dr. Tholen

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

Unlikely that this fairly common occurrence will cause problems. It is important, though, to keep your surgeon in the loop for certainty.Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear cio90,it is unlikely that this will cause infection. However, if you are concerned, I suggest you to consult your plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

does occur and has been witnessed on the chest area following augmentation.  Have not found a reason for this but it is usually self-limiting and should resolve without any major issues.  Pimples should be dealt with accordingly and if any become really large with surrounding erythema and swelling, you should see your surgeon for consideration of antibiotics.  Your incisions should be well on their way toward healing and unless your skin issue becomes a systemic one, your should be safe from harm with a limited break out.  And if you're still concerned, you should ask your surgeon about this and what you can do to help it resolve sooner.

Jorge Jiménez Toribio, MD · Answer

Hi darling..It is hard to give you a proper assessment without any pictures or enough information given. I'd recommend expressing your concerns to your PS to prevent any further complication. By this time, your wounds should be healing and not have a high risk of infection.Kind regards, Dr. Jiménez ToribioPlastic and Reconstructive Surgeon.

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Your breast implants are unlikely get infected. Keep it clean and let your PS know about it.

Scott E. Kasden, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi cloThere is a possibility that a secondary infection could arise with your active pimples, so I urge you to get this under control.  I would notify your surgeon and your dermatologist to be sure.regards.

Could breaking out after breast augmentation cause an infection?

Answers (9)

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