Infection after breast augmentation surgery

First, call your surgeon immediately! An infection has the potential to require not one, but two or more operations--one to remove the implant, then a second to place another implant several months later (after the tissues have fully healed and matured).

Infections requiring implant removal are thankfully rare. The highest risk period is likely the initial healing period after surgery for several weeks. Diabetics and smokers are much more at risk, but the risk is never zero. After the initial healing period, we, on rare occasion, see "random" infections of the breast wherein it is difficult to identify a specific cause.

In an attempt to reduce the risk for a late infection, I generally give antibiotics before surgery intravenously and by mouth for five days after surgery. Additionally, I recommend a single dose of antibiotics prior to any invasive procedure or for dental cleaning or dental work (notably, surgeons differ on their antibiotic recommendations, and antibiotics themselves carry their own risks).

Signs and symptoms of a breast infection include:


Breast swelling

Pain or redness

Fevers, chills, or general weakness are other symptoms


Infections in the initial healing period would commonly have redness at the incision site and pain with or without swelling can be seen. If there is significant drainage from the incision site or an opening of the incision, this is particularly at risk of infecting the implant pocket.

When in doubt, generally antibiotics are given. Play it safe! If there is a question about an infection after breast augmentation surgery, it is important to be evaluated by your surgeon.

Infections related to breast augmentation wounds are typically very superficial and typically related to an internal dissolving suture wanting to "spit out". These are generally minor and self limiting.The greater concern is a deep infection within the implant pocket. This is a serious issue and will not go away with simple antibiotics. This would typically require further surgery (often two operations) to fix the problem.Ultimately, this is not something that you wait around to see what happens. You should immediately see your plastic surgeon and he/she will be able to assess and determine what the issues are and how they should be treated.

See your surgeon as soon as possible. Stop self medicating and let them figure out what the best course of action is.