Bacterial vaginosis 1 week prior to surgery. Will I have to postpone?

Question

I have my breast augmentation surgery in 1 week, and i just found out I have bacterial vaginosis. I am going to be taking medicine for it, will I have to postpone my surgery?

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question!
Reach out to your surgeon for his/her guidelines/ protocol concerning an active infection. Since you are on antibiotics already it should be fine. Best wishes!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Fierce232087,
you should be healthy prior to elective procedure. 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

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

With any active infection, it is common for surgery to be postponed until the infection clears. This is for the safety of the patient. Please let your surgeon know so that they can determine what would be safest to do for you.

Carlos Marciales, MD · Answer

Hello, the placement of breast implants may be a not so complex procedure, and routine for trained and experienced plastic surgeons, but this does not mean that we should minimize the fact that it is a surgery, and if you have an infection, it can affect your entire immune system and even predispose you to an infection in the breast area, it is better that you are healthy, and have your surgery. Thank you

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

Surgery could happen if your BV is addressed and your surgeon is comfortable with GYN's assessment, treatment, and overall health. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Dana Goldberg, MD · Answer

I have had a few patients get diagnosed with a UTI the week of breast surgery. Typically if you are on antibiotics for 24 to 48 hours, the risk of increased complications is minimal.

If you have a fever or are still having symptoms, I do think it is safest to delay to minimize the risk of an implant infection or cap or contracture, but if you are fever, free and symptom-free, I don’t think it will be a problem.

James Knoetgen, III, MD · Answer

Whether you need to postpone your breast augmentation surgery due to bacterial vaginosis (BV) depends on several factors, including the severity of the infection, your overall health, and your plastic surgeon’s recommendation. Here are some considerations: 
1. Infection Management: BV is typically treated with antibiotics, and it can often be resolved quickly. If you are diagnosed with BV, your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection before your scheduled surgery. 
2. Risk of Infection: Any active infection can increase the risk of complications during surgery, including surgical site infections. Plastic surgeons usually prefer to perform elective surgeries when there is no active infection to minimize these risks. 
3. Surgeon’s Assessment: Your plastic surgeon will evaluate your condition and decide whether it is safe to proceed with the surgery. If your BV is mild and responds well to treatment, the surgery might still go ahead as planned. However, if the infection persists or is severe, postponing the surgery might be the best option. 
4. Pre-Surgical Instructions: Follow your plastic surgeon’s pre-surgical instructions carefully. This might include taking prescribed antibiotics, maintaining good hygiene, and avoiding activities that could worsen the infection. 
It is crucial to communicate with your plastic surgeon and follow their advice. They will guide you on the best course of action based on your specific situation.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You need to discuss this with your surgeon for it is your surgeon's opinion that really matters. I would postpone if you were my patient.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

This question is best answered by your surgeon as opinions may vary.  Ideally you should be free from infection when undergoing breast augmentation.  If a delay is needed it will likely be only for a short time.

Serkan Kaya Ekinci, MD · Answer

Hello, I am Dr. Serkan Kaya Ekinci. First of all, I would like to wish you a speedy recovery. I recommend that you enter your surgery in the best physical and mental conditions. Therefore, the pre-operative preparation period is very important. I'm sure your doctor will postpone the surgery because you are having an infection. Because having the disease will reduce the strength of our body defense system, I cannot even predict the complications that may occur. At least 4 weeks must have passed after recovery. If you had a severe illness and had to be hospitalized for treatment, this period should be kept longer. You should get the opinion of the doctors treating you about whether you are ready for a plastic surgery.