If I have a ear infection and the doctor prescribed me antibiotics is it dangerous to take before surgery?

Question

My surgery is literally in 16 days but I have a bd cold and ear infection I was told that I need antibiotics. I am having a mommy makeover done is it safe to still have my surgery done let me know I'm just worried.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question about the safety of proceeding with a mommy makeover if you are currently dealing with an ear infection and a cold, and have been prescribed antibiotics. It's essential to consider your overall health and well-being when planning for elective surgery.
As you've rightly pointed out, being in optimal health is crucial before undergoing any elective procedure, such as a mommy makeover. The concern with having a cold and an ear infection is not so much the antibiotics, but rather the underlying conditions themselves.
General anesthesia, which is used during a mommy makeover, involves paralysis of the lungs and reliance on a ventilator. This can present risks to lung function, and even in the best circumstances, there is a potential for developing pneumonia postoperatively. If you are already experiencing respiratory symptoms from a cold or ear infection, the risk of complications, such as pneumonia, may be elevated. Pneumonia following surgery can lead to serious issues, including chronic coughing that might disrupt incision healing and potentially necessitate hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics.
Given these risks, it is highly advisable to fully recover from your cold and ear infection before proceeding with your mommy makeover. Undergoing surgery when you're not at your best health can unnecessarily increase the risks and potentially complicate your recovery.
It's important to communicate openly with your plastic surgeon about your current health status. Together, you can decide on the best timing for your surgery, ensuring that you can proceed safely and with the lowest risk of complications.
I hope this information is helpful and provides clarity on why it's essential to be fully recovered from your current illness before undergoing a mommy makeover. Wishing you a swift recovery from your cold and ear infection and a successful future surgery.
Good luck, and take care.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Emmanuel De La Cruz, MD · Answer

It's crucial to inform your surgeon about any current or recent health issues, including an ear infection and the antibiotics prescribed for it, before undergoing surgery.

Antibiotics are commonly prescribed to treat infections, including ear infections. However, certain antibiotics can potentially interact with anesthesia or other medications used during surgery.

In most cases, taking antibiotics before surgery is not inherently dangerous. However, your surgeon needs to be aware of any medications you're taking to ensure they won't interfere with the anesthesia or the surgical procedure itself.

Your surgeon might instruct you to complete the course of antibiotics before the surgery or adjust the timing of the procedure to ensure your safety and optimize the surgical outcome.

Always follow your surgeon's instructions and be honest about your health status, including any medications or treatments you're currently undergoing. This allows your surgical team to make informed decisions and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and successful surgery.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear 2021Changdoll,
you should be infection-free prior to elective procedures. 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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Hi & thanks for your question
It is very important that you start and finish the antibiotics prescribed to you. Make sure your surgeon is aware,  but you shouldn't have any problem having the surgery. Best wishes!

Eleonore Zetrenne, MD · Answer

Yes, Do take the antibiotics because the ear infection will get worse especially with anesthesia. However, do tell your plastic surgeon that you have been on antibiotics because they should be aware of that you might be at risk for antibiotic associated colitis. In order to avoid this start eating a lot of live- cultured yogurt and go to the pharmacy and pick up probiotics especially while you are on the antibiotics. Continue taking the probiotics and eating the live-culture yogurt through surgery and afterwards. You need to replenish your normal flora, which is eliminated by the use of antibiotics. Good luck with surgery.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You need to call your surgeon's office sine he/she is the only one who will decide if you need to postpone your procedure.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I encourage you to speak with your surgeon about your concern.  She/He is the one to determine if you will able to proceed with surgery in 16 days.  Begin your antibiotics as prescribed right away.  It is recommended for your safety that you have no active infection at the time of your surgery.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

I suggest you contact your plastic surgeon and let them know what’s going on with your current health.
It’s better to keep your providers informed.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

If I have a ear infection and the doctor prescribed me antibiotics is it dangerous to take before surgery?

Answers (8)

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