Could eyelid surgery infection spread to cheek/infraorbital rim implants?

Question

I had a cheek implant and infraorbital rim implant fitted a year ago I'm planning to have a lower blepharoplasty, canthopexy and lower eyelid retraction next year If I got an infection from the eyelid surgery is there a risk it could spread below the periosteum to the implants, im scared it would require removal

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

Infections after eyelid surgery can be a concern, and there is a potential risk of spreading to nearby implants. Communicate your history of cheek and infraorbital rim implants with your surgeon before undergoing lower blepharoplasty, canthopexy, and lower eyelid retraction procedures.

Best of luck !

Best of luck !

J. Renee Booth, MD · Answer

Whenever there is a surgery that exposes the location of an implant, there is a risk of infection which requires removal. Fortunately, the risk of infection in the face is the lowest of all the places in the body. Additionally, canthopexy and repair of retraction are important for the health of the eye. If the eyelid droops and/or is retracted, then the lining of the eye gets irritated and can develop an ulcer. In the majority of cases, patients have antibiotics before an incision is made and they have about 1 week of antibiotics by mouth after. The surgeon could irrigate with an antibiotic solution during surgery if you request it. This is most often done when placing an implant, but can also be done when operating near a pre-existing implant.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

What you described is theoretically possible but highly improbable.
Infection rates for lower eyelid. Surgery is extremely low.
That said, serious surgical infections are always a risk and can potentially become out of control. The chance of this is very small.
Of all the things to be concerned about serious medical complications should probably be relatively low on the list. What is much more probable is an aesthetic undesirable outcome that could’ve been avoided through careful provider selection.
In my opinion, what patients should be worried about is provider selection, and if they’ve interviewed enough providers before selecting anyone particular, Surgeon.
I generally recommend patients start the process by having multiple inperson consultations with providers in their community. During each consultation, ask each provider to open up their portfolio and show you their entire collection of before, and after pictures of previous patient who had similar facial characteristics to your own who had the same procedure you are contemplating. An experienced surgeon should have no difficulty showing you the before and after pictures of at least 50 previous patients. Being shot a handful of preselected images representing only the best results of a providers career maybe insufficient to get a clear understanding of an average results, look like in the hands of each provider or how many of these procedures nearby actually performed.
When, in doubt, slow down and schedule more consultations.
The biggest mistake must patients make is scheduling, only one consultation and then moving forward to having surgery.
Finding the best provider usually requires a comparison, and this is sometimes labor-intensive, and requires a significant effort.
The time to be critical of plastic surgeons, as before, you scheduled the procedure.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

James Hoyt, MD (retired) · Answer

While complications such as infection are possible after eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), the risk of the infection spreading to cheek or infraorbital rim implants is generally low if proper surgical techniques and postoperative care are followed. However, it's important to note that any surgery carries some inherent risks, and infections are among the potential complications.Here are some considerations regarding the potential spread of infection:1. Proper Surgical Technique:• A skilled and experienced plastic surgeon will use sterile techniques during surgery to minimize the risk of infection. This includes maintaining a sterile environment, using sterile instruments, and following appropriate hygiene protocols.2. Isolation of Implants:• Implants placed in the cheek or infraorbital rim are typically isolated from the surgical site for eyelid surgery. This means that the surgical areas are compartmentalized, and steps are taken to prevent the spread of infection from one area to another.3. Postoperative Care:• Following proper postoperative care instructions is crucial in preventing infections. This includes keeping the surgical sites clean, avoiding touching the areas with unwashed hands, and taking prescribed antibiotics if they are part of the postoperative care plan.4. Early Detection and Treatment:• If an infection does occur, early detection and prompt treatment are essential. This may involve taking appropriate antibiotics or other interventions to control and eliminate the infection.5. Regular Follow-up:• Regular follow-up appointments with your plastic surgeon allow them to monitor your recovery, address any concerns, and detect and manage potential complications early on.It's important to discuss the specific details of your surgery, including the use of implants and the risk of complications, with your plastic surgeon during the preoperative consultation. They can provide information about their surgical techniques, the steps taken to minimize infection risks, and what to expect during the recovery process.If you experience signs of infection after surgery, such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, or pain, it's crucial to contact your plastic surgeon promptly. Timely intervention is key to managing infections effectively and minimizing potential complications.

Could eyelid surgery infection spread to cheek/infraorbital rim implants?

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