Breast reconstruction 1 month post-op - implants infected. (photo)

Question

I had a double mastectomy 5 weeks ago. At first the incision looked good. after a couple weeks notice a split with a black scab. My doctor gave me silver sulfadiazine cream applied once a day and covered. It looks now like something is eating at my skin. Feels like its burning. Could I be having a reaction to the cream. Doctor now wants to go back in surgery to cut infected and dead skin off and reclose. He plans on taking some saline out of implant. My other breast is starting to do the same thing

Jonathan Zelken, MD · Answer

Dear Chrisinda,
Your plastic surgeon knows best, for sure but if there is concern for infection the implants should come out, not be deflated. If they are not infected or exposed, deflation is a great idea, and that area of skin loss might even heal-in better than cutting it out and re-closing under tension. Unfortunately, we can't offer guidance without seeing you in person. I wish you and your plastic surgeon the best, as this can at times be a difficult problem to treat.
Wish you the best,

Robert Whitfield, MD · Answer

You certainly can have fluid removed from the tissue expander you have inlace to help with closer.  This area has problems healing in these breast cases.

Ali Sadeghi, MD, FACS · Answer

I am sorry to hear about your complication. Implant infection is difficult it problem to deal with and requires removal of the implant as well removal of any necrotic (dead) tissues including the skin. The best option is to remove the implants and clean up the necrotic tissues. You also need to be on antibiotics. At times it's possible to use your own tissue to replace the implant at the same time. These are called perforator flaps (diep or pap or gap). This would give you the best outcome. Good luck and I hope you find this helpful. 
Ali Sadeghi MS FACS 
Breast reconstruction specialist.

Breast reconstruction 1 month post-op - implants infected. (photo)

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Breast reconstruction 1 month post-op - implants infected. (photo)

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