9 yrs ago after BA, developed hematoma, it was treated thru surgery & implants remained in, developing cap cont over time in the affected breast only. 2 yrs ago I began developing what seemed like infection in that breast periodically. I am baffled, my drs treat with antibiotics since my symptoms incl radiating heat, pain/tenderness, considerable swelling, & it is only the 1 breast. I am going to have to have revision or removal. Is this infection? scar tissue reaction? Ever heard of this?
Answer: Chronic infection state after breast implants? Is this possible? What you may have developed is a pathologic biofilm. There are theories our there that suggest that biofilms may harbor bacteria that could trigger signs of an implant infections years out from surgery. In addition, there are theories out there that biofilms could precipitate capsular contracture. The good news - this is all very rare. For a treatment plan, I would recommend a total capsulectomy and implant removal and placement of a new implant. If a virgin pocket is available, I would place the implant there (such as transitioning from the subglandular position to a submuscle or dual plane position). Please talk with your board certiifed plastic surgeon to review your options.
Helpful
Answer: Chronic infection state after breast implants? Is this possible? What you may have developed is a pathologic biofilm. There are theories our there that suggest that biofilms may harbor bacteria that could trigger signs of an implant infections years out from surgery. In addition, there are theories out there that biofilms could precipitate capsular contracture. The good news - this is all very rare. For a treatment plan, I would recommend a total capsulectomy and implant removal and placement of a new implant. If a virgin pocket is available, I would place the implant there (such as transitioning from the subglandular position to a submuscle or dual plane position). Please talk with your board certiifed plastic surgeon to review your options.
Helpful
January 23, 2011
Answer: Possible breast implant infection
You may be experiencing a "subclinical" infection or an infection due to a bioflm. Unlike typical infections, these may just smolder along for a long time and are hard to treat with a short course of antibiotics. If you are going to have surgery, your surgeon may want to remove the implant and capsule, then obtain microbiology cultures (with stains, checked for 6 weeks). If you want to continue with breast implants, a new implant should be used and your surgeon may want to use antibiotic irrigation during surgery.
Helpful
January 23, 2011
Answer: Possible breast implant infection
You may be experiencing a "subclinical" infection or an infection due to a bioflm. Unlike typical infections, these may just smolder along for a long time and are hard to treat with a short course of antibiotics. If you are going to have surgery, your surgeon may want to remove the implant and capsule, then obtain microbiology cultures (with stains, checked for 6 weeks). If you want to continue with breast implants, a new implant should be used and your surgeon may want to use antibiotic irrigation during surgery.
Helpful