When Can I Have Implants Replaced After Removal for Infection?

Question

I had an infection in my left breast post implants. 5 weeks after surgery, I chose to have both removed. Can you explain how someone gets an infection? And does it look like it's healing properly? I had them removed 10 days ago. Should I still be on antibiotics? 
When can I have the implants put back in? Thank you. Also, the left breast is still feeling strange where my right one feels normal.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Tgutsbny,  
I am sorry that your implants got infected.  How someone gets an infection is complicated.  It depends on many factors such as your immune system, your overall health, the healing process just to name a few.  It is difficult to tell how you are healing with this picture and only one picture.  You should continue to follow up with your surgeon. This is extemely important so that he/she can direct your treatment successfully. I generally wait at least 3 months after removal to consider replacing the implants.  All signs/symptoms of the infection must be gone!  Good luck.  
Dr. ES

Armando Soto, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi there-
I would not want to second-guess your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon- but am happy to give you an understanding of how I would normally advise my own patients...
Implant infections are extremely rare, but they do happen, and when they do, it is appropriate to remove them. Most surgeons would recommend you wait at least 3 months before replacing them, and I think this is a good, conservative approach.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Your best source of information is your board certified plastic surgeon. My comments are only based on an impression and not the facts. According to my knowledge about 1 in 1000 implants gets infected. There are numerous causes. Antibiotics are typically prescribed for 10 days. Most surgeons advise waiting a minimum of 3 months before placing implants again but this recommendation will vary tremendously.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

The amount of time to take antibiotics depends upon what is being treated and how you respond. As to replacement, you should wait a minimum 3-4 months once you are completely healed.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

3 to 6 months after the infection is TOTALLY cleared up. The reasons are many. From a break in sterile technique, to you getting a cold after surgery. We rarely ever know. I had a young patient after implants whose child had k. pnemoniae infection. She had to take him to ER to get treatment. Two days later she had a red swollen left implanted breast. On removal and culture, guess what bug she had? You got that right. 4 months later she has a new implant with great healing.

When Can I Have Implants Replaced After Removal for Infection?

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Answer: Breast Implants replacement after removal for infection

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When Can I Have Implants Replaced After Removal for Infection?

Answers (9)

Answer: Implant removal and infection

Answer: Implant removal and infection

Answer: Breast Implants replacement after removal for infection

Answer: Breast Implants replacement after removal for infection

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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