Will I need to postpone my breast implant removal if I have a tooth infection? Would my infection affect surgery in any way?

Hello, thank you for your question. It's good that you're considering how your dental infection might affect your upcoming breast implant removal surgery. I have attached a video that details your concern. While it may be possible to proceed with your surgery if your infection is well-controlled and you're on effective antibiotics, it's crucial to get clearance from both your dentist and surgeon. If the infection is not fully resolved, it’s safer to delay surgery until you're healthy.

I am sure that you are already treated for infection. it would be best to discuss this issue between your dentist and plastic surgeon. Good luck.

Thank you for sharing your question. It would be best to clear any active infection before pursuing additional surgery. Hope this helps.

Dear kelliemariesmith92,
you should be healthy and have no infections prior to elective procedures. Every plastic surgeon has his own preoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hello @kelliemariesmith92, thank you for your question. An operation should not be performed if there is any infection present, since it can be generalized. The safest thing to do is to cancel the operation if there is any infection present. If you have time and you manage to solve it before the surgical process, your tests will show that you are ok for surgery. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science” Member (IFATS), American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP)

Yes, a dental infection especially one like a dental abscess can potentially affect your upcoming breast implant removal surgery and should absolutely be discussed with your plastic surgeon as soon as possible.
Here’s why:
Infections and Surgery Don't Mix Well
• Active infections in the body can increase your risk of post-operative complications, including surgical site infections.
• Even if you’re on antibiotics, a dental abscess can still mean your immune system is fighting off an infection making it harder for your body to heal properly from surgery.
Anesthesia Risks
• General anesthesia can stress the immune system, and existing infections may increase your risk for complications like pneumonia, sepsis, or delayed healing.
Timing Matters
• If your surgery is still a few weeks away, and you complete your antibiotic course and show no signs of systemic infection (like fever, fatigue, or swelling), your surgeon might decide to proceed but only after a careful review.
• However, if your abscess is still active or unresolved by surgery time, they may recommend postponing until the infection is cleared or the root canal is completed.
If there’s any sign of ongoing infection, it's usually safest to postpone surgery until your body is no longer compromised. The risk of implant pocket infection, poor healing, or other complications is simply not worth it.

If the infection is controlled with the antibiotics, then you should be able to proceed with the removal. However, please discuss this with your surgeon since it will be your surgeon who decides what can be done.

You will need to discuss this situation with your surgeon. In general it is recommended that you are free from infection prior to having elective plastic surgery. Your surgeon is the one who will determine if it is safe for you to proceed as planned.