Why are infections so common amongst breast procedures?

Hello, thank you for your question. Im not so sure that it is the most common surgery to cause infections however it does put the patient at higher risk. Infections can occur with any surgery. We do our best to ensure that the surgical field is clean and sterile; however it can still happen. With breast surgery, sometimes the glandular tissue and the grooves around areola make it difficult to achieve a completely sterile environment. We have natural bacteria in and around our areolas. In fact when performing an augmentation after prepping the areolas we then cover them with sterile tape so that the bacteria stays in place. We usually treat the patients pre operatively, intra operatively and post operatively with antibiotics.

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. The use of foreign materials (implants) in any area of the body can increase the risk of infection. It is rare to develop infection in breast augmentation (less than 2% risk). There may be a breach in sterile technique if many people you know are developing infections.

Very often when there is any difficulty healing an incision, the patient automatically calls it an infection. It is often more related to the blood flow to the area that results in an open wound. Often the surgeon will recommend some type of antibiotic cream or ointment to help this area heal. That does not necessarily indicate an infection. These creams and ointments are more to decrease the risk of infection rather than treat an infection. As others have stated, infection in breast lifts are quite rare. Healing difficulty of same areas is quite common.

Infection rates are very low for breast augmentation. You want to begin by selecting a board certified plastic surgeon and having the procedure in an accredited facility. I have several steps that I take to prevent infection. The skin is cleaned with special cleansers prior to surgery. Sterile technique is used throughout surgery. The breast pocket is bathed with a solution using three antibiotics. I also use a Keller funnel for insertion of silicone implants in order to minimize touching of the actual implant. There are actually several other things that are done. These are just a few!

Thank you for sharing your question. Fortunately breast procedures carry a low overall rate of infection, less than 5% of the time. I would recommend speaking with your surgeon in greater detail so you can have the best information available to you.

Infections after breast surgery are actually extremely rare. The experience that you have described is not typical. Seek a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon and discuss your concerns.

Dear neicyd2011,
the rate of infections after breast lift is very low. It can be reduced even more using meticulous surgical techniques. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

The incision for simple breast implants is small and so the wound heals quickly. Incisions from a breast lift or reduction are extensive and under tension so some part or parts of the incisions might show delayed healing. It's not really an infection

Thank you for your questions. I would say that your conclusions are not valid and you are falling victim to what we call the availability heuristic, meaning what you are seeing around you becomes what happens all the time, when it might not be true.

So if you see a bunch of women with infections from breast surgery, it must mean that infections from breast surgery happen all the time. When in fact, true infections from breast surgery are reported in the literature from 1-10% of the time, but should likely be around 5% or less in most cases.

My suggestion is that if you have a bunch of people you see having problems, then I would question where they are going or who they are seeing. Make sure you are seeing a plastic surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and who is then required to operate in accredited facilities and take other safety precautions, rather than a "cosmetic" surgeon who may not have to meet the same criteria and have the same training background.

Hope this helps...

Dallas Buchanan, MD
VIVIFY plastic surgery
Tampa, FL

Infections following breast procedures can occur for several reasons, though it's important to note that infections are not necessarily common in all cases. The likelihood of infection depends on various factors, including the type of procedure, the plastic surgeon's skill, and the patient's overall health and adherence to postoperative care instructions.Here are some reasons why infections may occur after breast procedures:1. Surgical Site Contamination: During surgery, the surgical site is at risk of contamination from bacteria present in the environment, on the skin, or from medical instruments. Plastic surgeons take precautions to maintain a sterile environment, but infections can still occur.2. Compromised Immune System: Individuals with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to infections. Certain medical conditions, medications, or pre-existing health issues can compromise the immune response, making it harder for the body to fight off potential infections.3. Poor Wound Care: Following surgery, proper wound care is crucial. Failure to keep the incision site clean, dry, and protected can increase the risk of infection. Patients are typically provided with specific instructions on how to care for their incisions postoperatively.4. Implant-Related Factors: In procedures involving breast implants, the risk of infection can be associated with the implants themselves. Implants may become contaminated during surgery, and if bacteria enter the implant pocket, an infection can develop.5. Hematoma or Seroma Formation: Collections of blood (hematoma) or fluid (seroma) can occur after surgery. These can create an environment that is conducive to bacterial growth and increase the risk of infection.6. Underlying Health Conditions: Patients with certain underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, obesity, or vascular disorders, may have a higher risk of developing infections after surgery.It's important for patients to follow their plastic surgeon's postoperative instructions diligently, including taking prescribed antibiotics if provided, attending follow-up appointments, and reporting any signs of infection promptly. Signs of infection may include increased redness, swelling, warmth, pain, or discharge from the surgical site.While infections can occur, advancements in surgical techniques, infection prevention protocols, and postoperative care have significantly reduced the incidence of complications. Plastic surgeons and medical professionals take various measures to minimize the risk of infections during and after breast procedures.