Is it still safe and feasible to have plastic surgeries done if I am a carrier of staph?

Question

For the past 4 years I have struggled with staph boils on my thighs and inner buttocks. Antibiotics have helped in the past, and I am about to see a doc to find out if I am a staph carrier. If it turns out that I am, is it safe or smart to have plastic surgery done? (Rhinoplasty and Mommy Makeover) Is it pretty much a guarantee I will suffer post-op infection? Any and all info on this matter would be greatly appreciated. Always thankful for the knowledgeable doctors here on Realself. Thanks!

J. Phillip Garcia, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,
As far as the rhinoplasty is concerned it is still safe to do surgery. We are all carriers of Staph. as it's part of our normal skin flora. Even patients who have had MRSA in the past are not precluded from surgery as long as we place them on certain antibiotic pills, ointment and face washing régimen before and after surgery. 
I advise you to consult with your surgeon regarding your specific history and the other procedures you are interested in. 
Regards,

Jeffrey Marvel, MD · Answer

Most people that are carriers of Staph have the bacteria living in their nose.  It can be treated by your physician using an antibacterial nasal salve.  As for the issues with your thighs you would need long-term antibiotics to clear this up prior to having surgery.  Only your surgeon or physician can determine when and if you are ready for the procedures.  Good luck.

Clyde Mathison, MD · Answer

Staph is a relatively common skin bacteria.  However, recurring staph infections are nothing to gloss over.  The Mommy Makeover is what concerns me.  The blood supply to those surgical areas is not as robust as it is in the nose.  As such, the body has a harder time fighting off infection.  Your surgeon definitely needs to know about this issue.  He/She may want you to see an infectious disease specialist or, at a minimum, change your intra-op and post-op antibiotics to ones that covers staph.

Curtis Perry, MD · Answer

With your history I would insist that you be evaluated by an infectious disease specialist and treated as needed by them. Once you were cleared by that specialist I would proceed following any additional precautions that the specialist has indicated.

Is it still safe and feasible to have plastic surgeries done if I am a carrier of staph?

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Answer: Is it still safe and feasible to have plastic surgeries done if I am a carrier of staph?

Answer: Is it still safe and feasible to have plastic surgeries done if I am a carrier of staph?

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Is it still safe and feasible to have plastic surgeries done if I am a carrier of staph?

Answers (4)

Answer: Is it still safe and feasible to have plastic surgeries done if I am a carrier of staph?

Answer: Is it still safe and feasible to have plastic surgeries done if I am a carrier of staph?

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