Have had cellulitis in my left breast at least 8x since breast lift with implants - is this common? (photo)

Thank you for your question. While it is not common to have repeat cellulitis after breast implant, it can happen. You likely have repeated low-grade bacterial infections that clear with some antibiotics. Unfortunately, the only solution is to remove the implant, and I would remove the capsule as well. You can consider putting an implant in at the same time after the breast pocket is washed out thoroughly, however I would caution you that this is high risk for recurring. This risk is hypothetically reduced if you move the implant from under the pec to over the pec or vice versa.Your other options are to remove the implant and capsule, let everything settle down and heal, and then put in a breast implant Three or four months down the road. Good luck

I would really want to know if this is cellulitis or a skin rash. If it truly is an infection (cellulitis) it may be deep seeded (your implant) and the only prudent treatment would be to remove the implant. You would allow the body to clear things up over time and in 4-6 months you can have implants replaced.
If it is a rash and not an infection then you should seek the advice of a dermatologist.

Hope that helps.

There is some source of infection that clears up when you are on antibiotics but Keeps coming back. I’m sorry to tell you this but your implant needs to be removed. You can go through all these tests and treatments but the infection will
Never resolve completely with implants in. Have them removed and wait at least three months before putting them back in

Dear Considerate1996,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

You probably have a very low grade infection now around your implant that surfaces as cellulitis from time to time. I would advise that you have this implant removed and then augment again in 6 months after everything is healed. Otherwise, you might have some problem in one of your milk ducts, but the cellulitis would be more around your areola. I do think the problem is with your implant and capsule.

I have never seen nor read about a recurrent cellulitis following a breast augmentation and lift.
Have you had any recurrent areas that drain from the incision lines?
I am reluctant to say that a revision with replacement of the implant is warranted as an infected implant would usually lead to one of the following:
fevers
swelling
drainage
cellulitis
pain
capsular contracture

If the cellulitis reoccurs, I might consider revising the breast implant (no concrete medical literature for this decision).
Dr. Taranow

If you are having recurrent cellulitis of the implanted/lifted breasts you must consider explantation. But I might try IV antibiotics for 6 weeks with hyperbaric oxygen therapy or Ozone therapy before explant surgery. If cellulites returns then only explantation can be the last option. Best to virtual consult with...