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

Question

Hello, I had a breast lift with implants in 2020. Since then I have had repeated cellulitis in my left breast at least 8x. I have had mammograms and mri and all is clear and showing normal. I never had these issues before the augmentation and my surgeon is now directing me to see my primary care doctor as he says he has no idea why this is happening, saying i should get allergy testing. Is this common or am i the only one??? I feel lost.

Wess Cohen, MD · Answer

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

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

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.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

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

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

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

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

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

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

Answers (7)

Answer: Breast cellulitis

Answer: Breast cellulitis

Answer: Cellulitis

Answer: Cellulitis

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift with Implants

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