Is my implant salvageable? Infection after 3wks! Dimple incision collapsed and left open hole! (photo)

Question

4wks post op with teardrop text implants. 1wk post, noticed dimple incision. 4wks, incision collapse, 101+ fever, puss oozing. 2 surture removed, now open hole. On Augmentin and silvadene cream. Fever gone and puss less, wound still open. DR said 30-40% chance resolving. Started Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. Wound was not getting natural oxygen to begin with. sweat, hot and humid temps, bacteria last 4 wks. Hole is in center, deepest point of incision, not on sides. Can  my implant be saved?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Hi JG503, I am sorry to hear about what you are experiencing. I am not able to provide you with a definitive answer to your question here online. It is best that you follow your plastic surgeon's wound care instructions and advice and closely follow up with him or her for monitoring. Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
  
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
  
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about the complication you have experienced; your disappointment is certainly understandable. You will find that there are very few "absolutes" in the field of plastic surgery.  
  I think that the management of breast implant exposure situation needs to be individualized. In most cases, patients are best served by removing the breast implant involved, with the goal of breast re augmentation many months subsequently. Ultimately, timing of the re operation is best individualized depending on the clinical/microbiology findings.
Factors that I use when deciding when to return to the operating room include:  the nature of the infection present initially ( superficial versus deep, microbiology results…),  how well and/or quickly the patient's tissues "heal" after removal of breast implants,  the patient's physical examination with emphasis on softness/pliability of the patient's tissues…  Generally, if in doubt, best to undergo breast re augmentation later rather than too soon.
Keep in mind, what I have described is based on my personal experience/opinions.  Your plastic surgeon, having the benefit of knowing your history and  current situation, will always be your best resource.
Best wishes for an outcome that you will be pleased with longer-term.

John E. Nees, MD · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!Infection after breast augmentation occurs in approximately 1-3% of procedures. From your photos, the drainage tract appears to be well formed. In our experience, implant salvage following infection is not usually feasible. Textured implants are more susceptible due to their convoluted surface providing interstices for infection to "take hold". We have salvaged some implants, but most later became involved in a capsular contracture. In our practice, we usually remove the implant, the drainage rapidly decreases and ceases, and we consider re-augmenting in12 weeks, depending on the appearance of the wound.Continue close followup with your plastic surgeon.Best wishes...

Charles Nduka, MD · Answer

It would be difficult to give an accurate advise with only photos as basis. What you need is an in person examination with your surgeon as he/she knows your condition best. Your surgeon would be your best resource of information with regards to post op concerns.

M. Jude LaBarbera, MD · Answer

First of all, I'm sorry for what you're going through.  I have reviewed your comments and pictures.  It sounds like you are getting all of the things you need at this point... the fluid has drained and you are on antibiotics.  I recommend following your surgeon's advice.  If the infection did not extend into the breast pocket (where the implant is located), there is a chance this will go on to heal.

Is my implant salvageable? Infection after 3wks! Dimple incision collapsed and left open hole! (photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Is my implant salvageable? Infection after 3wks! Dimple incision collapsed and left open hole!

Answer: Is my implant salvageable? Infection after 3wks! Dimple incision collapsed and left open hole!

Answer: Salvage

Answer: Salvage

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Is my implant salvageable? Infection after 3wks! Dimple incision collapsed and left open hole! (photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Is my implant salvageable? Infection after 3wks! Dimple incision collapsed and left open hole!

Answer: Is my implant salvageable? Infection after 3wks! Dimple incision collapsed and left open hole!

Answer: Salvage

Answer: Salvage

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.