I had an infection. How Long Do I Have to Wait After Implant Removed Before Getting New Ones Placed Back?

In general, if a patient desires to have her breast implants removed and not replaced, she should wait 3-6 months to allow for normal wound healing and then consider a breast implant replacement if needed as the compressed breast tissue will allow for an increase in breast size after explantation.

Removal of breast implants, intact or ruptured, may have positive implications if patients are symptomatic. A constellation of symptoms associated with breast implant illness, and autoimmune disease are considered when treating patients who have breast implants and are concerned about foreign body reaction. In our office, we begin this journey with a consideration of symptoms and exclusion of obvious autoimmune problems. In many of our patients, en bloc removal of breast implants with capsulectomy is important and beneficial. Further clinical evidence about breast implant illness is evolving and will continue to guide treatment. I would suggest removal if there is a possibility of foreign body reaction.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Fortunately, infections are rare after breast augmentation.  When they do occur, they can require treatment with antibiotics and local wound care for superficial infections, or even implant removal if the implant is involved.  The time frame for replacement of implants is somewhat controversial.  Most board certified plastic surgeons prefer to wait a minimum of three months, with many waiting up to a year.  Prior to replacement, the following are mandatory:  adequate treatment of the infection, thorough wound healing, and resolution of inflammation.