Can I go through with a breast augmentation if I have colonized MRSA? Worth the risk?

Question

I just learned that I have colonized MRSA in my nares, I don’t have any symptoms of infection on my body anywhere. I plan to treat it now but am I foolish to risk getting breast implants in a few months? I know MRSA tends to like implanted devices from what I’ve read. Is it worth the risk? Will my MRSA come back and attack the implants?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Charming339727,
you should be healthy and infection-free prior to elective procedures. But every plastic surgeon has his own preoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Malik Abaci, MD · Answer

Most of patients have mrsa but no one knows it. So, you can do this operation with no extra need. Thank you for a good question and aproved photos. Hope this helps

Matthew Zeiderman, MD · Answer

This is a good question. Many people are colonized with MRSA in the nares and unaware of it unless they are tested. We probably perform breast augmentation on MRSA colonized patients regularly without knowing it. Pre-treatment of the MRSA with antibiotics before surgery, nasal betadine swab, and standard perioperative antibiotics along with proper implant handling (no touch technique) should be safe and minimize your chance of infection or capsular contracture.

Drew Davis, MD · Answer

You can definitely have a breast augmentation with a history of MRSA colonization. I use a chlorhexidine scrub in the OR to prep the skin, and use Clindamycin for the preoperative IV antibiotic and oral dose after surgery. No matter the history, there is always a very small risk on implant infection with a breast augmentation, but these precautions can reduce the risk.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

Treating your nares with the appropriate topical antibiotics to suppress the level of MRSA, plus having the appropriate IV antibiotics prior to your surgery and being sure your plastic surgeon follows the 14 Step Protocol to minimize infections/capsular contracture with breast augmentation, should reduce your risk to a very low level.  Best wishes.

Heather Vande Ven, DO · Answer

Having MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) colonization could pose an increased risk of infection during surgery. It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional and your surgeon to assess the potential risks and benefits based on your specific situation. They can provide recommendations considering your health status and the planned procedure.

Sergio Sanchez-Bailon, MD · Answer

Before doing your procedure you should have an infectious disease specialist assess your case, given that they are the most specialized in these kind of cases. That’s looking for your safety first and also preventing any kind of complications with the implants as we are looking for having a great aesthetic result without those risks being involved.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Treat your nares topically for now and culture prior to surgery to see if you need to be treated again.

Can I go through with a breast augmentation if I have colonized MRSA? Worth the risk?

Answers (8)