Breast augmentation and dental cleaning - can this increase the risk of capsular contracture?

Question

Hi, i had my breast augmentation around 6 months ago. I have seen on some websites that teeth cleaning may capsular contracture. Is this true? Today i have an appointment at the dentist to deep clean my teeth.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear rainrain90,
I understand your concern. It is best that you consult your plastic surgeon regarding post operative care and management (i.e including massage techniques and timing) specific to your case. Your surgeon knows your condition well and has preferences on when and what to use for faster healing and recovery. Post operative care and management depends on the type of surgery performed and the technique used during surgery among other factors.It is best, however, that you follow your plastic surgeon's advice on post operative care management for a smooth and faster healing and recovery.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The answer to this question widely varies by surgeon.  It is best to check with your surgeon on what she/he recommends for you.  It is important that you continue with regular dental visits and not avoid them related to your implants.

Fernando Ovalle Jr., MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question! The short answer is no, you don't have to worry about infection/capsular contracture risk or needing antibiotic prophylaxis with a history of breast implants.

I think the information you may be reading is based on that theoretically, there is a small chance of "stirring up" bacteria that live on your teeth/mouth and that this bacteria may briefly enter the bloodstream via small breaks in the gumline, etc. If this bacteria then finds a way to something important, like a prosthetic joint, an artificial heart valve, a transplanted organ, or say a breast implant, that this may cause downstream issues such as infection, etc. However, no research as supported this for breast implants/capsular contracture and in fact the latest dental guidelines from the ADA specifically don't recommend routine antibiotic prophylaxis for breast implant patients. That said, every doctor may have different thoughts and may prescribe a short course of antibiotics for their patient if they feel that the benefits outweigh the risks.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Nobody know if dental work could cause capsular contracture. That’s pure conjecture. You could take antibiotics at the time of dental care if you like.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

I recommend to my patients prophylactic antibiotics for one year after surgery for deep cleaning. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Breast augmentation and dental cleaning - can this increase the risk of capsular contracture?

Answers (7)

Answer: Capsule contracture

Answer: Capsule contracture

Answer: Always best to check with your surgeon's protocol

Answer: Always best to check with your surgeon's protocol

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Breast augmentation and dental cleaning - can this increase the risk of capsular contracture?

Answers (7)

Answer: Capsule contracture

Answer: Capsule contracture

Answer: Always best to check with your surgeon's protocol

Answer: Always best to check with your surgeon's protocol

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.