10 days post op from breast augmentation and I think I’m coming down with the flu. Can this affect my breast implants?

Hi teetree55, I understand your concern. Developing a viral illness while you are recovering from breast augmentation surgery should not affect your implants. However, this may affect your overall healing and recovery. If you are concerned, it would be best to visit your plastic surgeon for proper assessment. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.

Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery

Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery

Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

As others have mentioned, a viral illness is not likely to have any impact on your breast implant results. However, it would be yet another thing taxing your body (in addition to healing from the breast implant procedure) and this may mean that your recovery will take longer. It could also mean that your body will have a harder time fighting off bacteria that are inevitably present around the implants after surgery, since there is no way to ensure the implants are 100% sterile once placed inside your body. Your best approach would be to follow up with your surgeon, who can see how well you're healing and guide you on whether any precautionary measures are needed.

Thank you for your questions. It is highly unlikely that a viral illness like the flu was a result of your surgery or will have anything to do with the outcomes of the procedure. I think you can rest easy on this one....go get some chicken noodle soup.Good luck!Dallas R. Buchanan, MD, FACSOwner & Board-Certified Plastic SurgeonVIVIFY plastic surgery

Thank you for sharing your question and I am sorry to hear of your flu-like symptoms.  It is unlikely that this will materially impact your implants or surgical results, but I would contact your surgeon to alert them of your illness.  

Hi darling,The flu won't affect your surgery however you should be concerned that it may affect the healing process so you need to express your concerns to your PS in order to get a proper guideline to follow and help you fight the flu to prevent any further complications. Good luck!Dr. Jimenez Toribio Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon.

Sorry to hear you are feeling under the weather! Most likely your symptoms are from a viral illness (such as flu). Fortunately, this should not affect your breast implants at all. I would try to avoid excessive coughing if possible, as there is a (very) small risk you could cause bleeding or an issue with your closure. I would let your surgeon know what is going on, and also check in with your primary care physician to see what management options are available. Hope you feel better soon!