My Breast Augmentation Incision is Infected. What Should I Do?

Question

Its been 6 months since i had my surgery however the incision from the right breast has become infected, there is two small blisters which seem to have pus,cultivation was performed im currently taking antibiotics to fight this bacteria (staph) im not sure if i should i wash the incision?? should i use soap? is there anything i can do to resolve this please help me, my doctor suggested to remove the infected one or both implants eventhough the infection is only in one side, why did this happen

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Implant infection is truly a rare event and happens in the range of 1 out of a 1000. It is difficult to assess if your infection is a localized suture abscess or possible infected area of fat necrosis versus a true implant infection. In the case of the latter, the entire breast tends to be swollen and red.. Generally speaking a course of antibiotics may be recommended initially and implant removal may be eventually required. Some surgeons will replace the implants while most would remove and replace at a later date.

Garrett A. Wirth, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

It is important to work with your plastic surgeon to evaluate if this is more related to a suture abscess type presentation or truly an infected breast implant.  If it is being suture abscess, then it can be addressed more easily, but if it isn't infected breast implant, most likely it will need to be removed.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It sounds like you had a stitch abscess that developed along your incision, but I could not be sure without an exam.

Shahin Javaheri, MD · Answer

Infection following a breast augmentation is very rare.  It is likely that a suture was never absorbed by your body so now it is being extruded.  This needs to be addressed soon because it could develop into a more major infection involving your implant.

Steven Schuster, MD, FACS · Answer

Sorry you are having this problem as no plastic surgeon ever wants to have something like this.  If there is truly an implant infection inside the pocket then you may need to have surgery.  If this is only a suture line incision then just opening the infected are may allow it to heal without jeopardizing the implant.  If the breast is red, hot and swollen and you are running a fever then you should get to your doctor as soon as possible.  It sounds like your plastic surgeon is following you closely and I would follow his/her recommendations.  Good luck. Dr.Schuster in Boca Raton

My Breast Augmentation Incision is Infected. What Should I Do?

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My Breast Augmentation Incision is Infected. What Should I Do?

Answers (8)

Answer: Breast augmentation

Answer: Breast augmentation

Answer: Infection after breast augmentation

Answer: Infection after breast augmentation

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Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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