2 weeks PO. Is it normal for a breast to be hard and look different from the other after implant infection and removal? (photos)

Question

34y/o with 15 y/o 375cc silicone gel mentor implants- after 2 kids i had them Exchanged on 4/1/19 w/ Natrelle 560cc silicone implants. By 4/13/19 I was in the hospital w/ Fever and chills, intense rt breast pain. put on broad spectrum antibiotics, blood cultures showed nada. by 4/16 my plastic surgeon and I decided to take out implants.seroma tested + for staph aureus. Now Rt. breast is smaller & hard in armpit/ side boob & also on chest-like rock candy. Will this go away? Why did this happen

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Staph aureus is part of the normal human flora (bacteria that normally reside in or on humans) and does not usually cause infection.  Anytime you have surgery you run the risk of developing an infection.  You are fortunate that your PS had you tested for the infection early and has placed you on a broad spectrum antibiotic.  With time, you will heal from the breast implant removal and infection and new implants can be placed.Kenneth Hughes, MD, APBS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about the complication you have experienced. Yes, given the occurrence of this complication, significant asymmetry is to be expected at this point. Infection is associated with swelling and firmness (induration),  which resolves over the course of several days/weeks. It will be very important that you follow with your plastic surgeon on a frequent basis; he/she will be in the best position to rule out ongoing problems and provide you with meaningful assessment, advise, and/or reassurance. Best wishes.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs and I am sorry to hear of your implant infection.  Unfortunately infections can and do occur even in the best of hands and I am glad that your surgeon is providing appropriate care.  During recovery from such an issue the infected breast would commonly be more swollen, tight, and hard compared to the noninflected breast.  Keep in close touch with your surgeon to ensure clearance of the infection, and as this clears, your symptoms should improve.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear of all the issues you have been having since your original surgery.  While it is common for breasts to heal at different rates, your situation is more complex.  I encourage you to stay in close communication with your surgeon and report changes.  It is important to detect any new issues early.

Matthew A. DelMauro, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question. (Keep in mind that an in-person consultation is necessary for the best advice.) I'm sorry to hear that you suffered this complication. Unfortunately, infections occur. They are an uncommon complication. But they do occur. As you heal and recover from your infection, your body is going to go through a lot of changes. The infected side will look and feel different (than the uninfected side) during this process. Be patient, and follow up with your plastic surgeon. Best of luck!
Matthew A. DelMauro, M.D.

2 weeks PO. Is it normal for a breast to be hard and look different from the other after implant infection and removal? (photos)

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Answer: Two weeks post op

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2 weeks PO. Is it normal for a breast to be hard and look different from the other after implant infection and removal? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Two weeks post op

Answer: Two weeks post op

Answer: Breast Implant Removal

Answer: Breast Implant Removal

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

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