Is it OK that I didn't use hibiclens a full 3 days before breast augmentation?

Question

I wasn't able to get hibiclense until 2 days before surgery (today) is it that big of a deal that I didn't use it yesterday?

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

It's not a big deal in my practice. I believe the most important skin cleansing occurs right before surgery with the antiseptic I use to clean the skin. This preparation is just one of the steps in helping to prevent surgical infection. I have seen only 2 breasts out of over 12,000 with an infection. It's always best to check if your concern is a concern of your surgeon's. Hope this was reassuring. For more information on this and similar topics, I recommend a plastic surgery Q&A book like "The Scoop On Breasts: A Plastic Surgeon Busts the Myths."

Eric Schaffer, MD, FACS · Answer

Hibiclens wash is a great pre- surgical soap that I have my patients use the night before surgery and the morning of their procedure.  You may want to mention this to your Plastic Surgeon just as a courtesy.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,Not every Plastic Surgeon requires this. It shouldn't be a problem but you will need to discuss this with your Plastic Surgeon.All the best

Brandon Q. Reynolds, MD · Answer

Using hibiclens prior to surgery is a nice option to try and reduce the risk of a post-operative infection.  Most doctors don't have this requirement and the risk of infection is somewhere around 1-2%.  Using hibiclens prior to surgery may or may not actually reduce the infection rate, but it couldn't hurt (unless you have an allergy).  So, starting 2 days prior as opposed to 3 day will likely have no clinically appreciable difference.  The only case that it may be more important is if you have a known history of infections with a bacteria know as staph aureus.

Erik Miles, MD, FACS · Answer

Using Hibiclens before surgery is a great way to decrease the amount of bacteria  that naturally resides on your skin.   The fact that you used it for two days instead of three days should not matter at all. Many surgeons don't even routinely recommend it prior to surgery. Your skin will be meticulously prepped prior to the procedure. Most surgeons also use antibiotic solutions to irrigate the pockets before implant placement. You will also have IV antibiotics. You are fine!  Best wishes to you!

Shahin Fazilat, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  You will be just fine using it 2 days instead of 3.   Let your surgeon know, just so that he/she is aware of all aspects of your surgery.  Best of luck to you!

Nathan Eberle, MD, DDS, FACS · Answer

just fine, some surgeons don't even use it pre-op, only on the table immediately prior to surgical incision. good luck with your surgery

David Rosenstein, MD · Answer

Using for just 2 days is better than nothing. Perhaps advising the office that it had not been a full 72 hours of use could be done. But the most important thing is that you use it the day before and of the procedure at a minimum. Best of luck to you.

Mehdi K. Mazaheri, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Don't worry not a big deal at all. My patients are not advised to use hibiclens and I only have 1 infection in 13 years. Good luck.

Ravi Somayazula, DO · Answer

I don't think that this should be an issue. I would alert your surgeon's office and inform them however. Best of luck with your procedure.Dr. Ravi Somayazula

Is it OK that I didn't use hibiclens a full 3 days before breast augmentation?

Answers (17)

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