I am considering BA and am concerned about biofilm infection and capsular contracture. I ask because I developed a biofilm when I had my lips augmented with Juvederm. Are some individuals more prone to this? Because of my history with fillers am I at elevated risk for biofilm or contracture if I go forward with breast implants?
May 13, 2016
Answer: Biofilm Thank you for your question.The exact science behind biofilms is not entirely understood, however, we believe biofilms arise from microorganisms on the surface of the implant, that causes inflammation and scar tissue to envelope the breast implant, and then capsular contracture. Some believe it is related to a subclinical infection. here are several ways to help prevent capsular contracture, such as "no touch technique" for inserting the breast implant, placing the implant in a submuscular/dual plane versus subglandular plane, using antibiotic irrigation, not utilizing a nipple incision to place the implant. Typically, biofilms do not occur with Juvederm injection--perhaps just a mild infection--especially since Juvederm is not permanent. And you are not at increased risk of contracture in the breasts because of what occurred with your lips.I recommend seeing a board certified plastic surgeon for your breast augmentation.Good luck!
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May 13, 2016
Answer: Biofilm Thank you for your question.The exact science behind biofilms is not entirely understood, however, we believe biofilms arise from microorganisms on the surface of the implant, that causes inflammation and scar tissue to envelope the breast implant, and then capsular contracture. Some believe it is related to a subclinical infection. here are several ways to help prevent capsular contracture, such as "no touch technique" for inserting the breast implant, placing the implant in a submuscular/dual plane versus subglandular plane, using antibiotic irrigation, not utilizing a nipple incision to place the implant. Typically, biofilms do not occur with Juvederm injection--perhaps just a mild infection--especially since Juvederm is not permanent. And you are not at increased risk of contracture in the breasts because of what occurred with your lips.I recommend seeing a board certified plastic surgeon for your breast augmentation.Good luck!
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May 14, 2016
Answer: Breat Implant Biofilm Breast implant biofilms are a nuisance in plastic surgery because they are hard to treat and can last for a long time even if implants are removed. The best way to avoid the formation of biofilm is to maintain absolute sterility during your procedure and to minimize any contact with the implant when placing it into the correct pocket. There are certain steps that can also be added to protect against biofilm formation such as antibiotic solution irrigation or using a hands-free funnel device to place the implant. In the long-run, susceptible patients should also be on prophylactic antibiotics when undergoing certain procedures such as dental cleanings which can dislodge and cause bacteria to enter the bloodstream and adhere to implants in the body. Contractures can certainly occur with biofilms, but can also be caused by irritation by blood, or randomly with no apparent reason at all. Your complication with lip filler should not have any influence going forward with breast implants as long as there is no longer any active infection. Best of luck!
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May 14, 2016
Answer: Breat Implant Biofilm Breast implant biofilms are a nuisance in plastic surgery because they are hard to treat and can last for a long time even if implants are removed. The best way to avoid the formation of biofilm is to maintain absolute sterility during your procedure and to minimize any contact with the implant when placing it into the correct pocket. There are certain steps that can also be added to protect against biofilm formation such as antibiotic solution irrigation or using a hands-free funnel device to place the implant. In the long-run, susceptible patients should also be on prophylactic antibiotics when undergoing certain procedures such as dental cleanings which can dislodge and cause bacteria to enter the bloodstream and adhere to implants in the body. Contractures can certainly occur with biofilms, but can also be caused by irritation by blood, or randomly with no apparent reason at all. Your complication with lip filler should not have any influence going forward with breast implants as long as there is no longer any active infection. Best of luck!
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