I have an exposed implant with no infection.What's the likelihood of saving my implant? Is there a decent success rate? (Photo)

Question

On POD 24 incision opened left me with an exposed implant went to the OR that evening was told if there was any infection thar they would remove both but luckily they did cultures which showed no infection ( there was a couple bugs) he washed the pocket out with 3L replaced the implant did more cultures that then showed nothing and put me on keflex 500mg q6h for 7days. I'm post op day 3. I feel good just a bit tired. What is the likelyhood of salvaging my implant. Is there a decent success rate?

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

In my experience the success in this is 50/50. It is hard to predict whether the implant will ultimately be salvageable or not need to be replaced in the future from contracture, etc. The best thing to do at this point is give your body to heal and hope for the best. Good luck! #PlasticSurgery #BreastAug #Implants #implantexposure #breastImplantsalvage

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

An exposed implant has been contaminated.  One option that might have been considered is removal of the contaminated device with irrigation and then closure.  I would not have left the contaminated implant.  The safest method is to remove the implant altogether and let the space heal, then replace it months later.  Salvage is not a sure thing. There is a possibility that this implant will become infected, and an even higher possibility that you will develop a capsular contracture.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your excellent question, and I am sorry to hear about your implant exposure.  There is a chance of implant salvage when gross contamination of the implant has not taken place, and it sounds as if your surgeon has done all the correct measures.  Keep a close eye on your breast and inform your surgeon of any acute changes such as increased swelling, spreading redness, worsening tenderness/pain, or drainage.  Wishing you the best.

Nana N. Mizuguchi, MD, FACS · Answer

Your surgeon is managing your implant salvage in the appropriate way.  I have had patients who have been successfully treated this way.Best Wishes,Nana Mizuguchi

Michael J. Brown, MD · Answer

Hi,

Thanks for posting your question. I am happy to try and help you. It is
important to remember that a board certified plastic surgeon will be your best
resource when it comes to an accurate assessment of your situation, and
concerns.

Having said that, it seems like you had a reasonable effort to salvage your breast implant. At this point, fingers crossed.

Best wishes,

Dr. Michael J. Brown 
Northern Virginia Plastic Surgeon

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi, Megz43.  Thanks for your question.  If the implant extrusion was caught early and treated aggressively (wash-out, aggressive antibiotic regimen, +/- implant exchange), your breast augmentation may be salvaged.  Please make your that your antibiotic is covering for the "bugs" found on your culture.  Follow up with your plastic surgeon closely.  Best wishes.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

While there is literature suggesting that this can work in some cases, I have not had great success with this technique.  Good luck.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

Years ago the teaching was that a contaminated implant be removed and the breast left to recover for several months before implant replacement. There is now support for implant salvage just as your surgeon has done and we feel the literature supports a decent success rate, especially when we consider the alternative of life with one implant for several months. Our thoughts our with you, good luck.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

Exposure of an implant is a tough problem.  If there was no gross infection then a "salvage" procedure can be attempted.  Washing out the implant pocket with an antibiotic solution, switching out implants, coverage with appropriate antibiotics and luck is about all you can do.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Great question. You wrote the surgeon used a new implant and I assume re sutured the open wound? So I will say 50/50 chances....

I have an exposed implant with no infection.What's the likelihood of saving my implant? Is there a decent success rate? (Photo)

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