Had implants removed due to infection. How long do you have to wait to replace them? (Photos)

Question

March 17 org surgery. 3/2/18 revision of contracture w/ muscle cut underneath to 3/11 hematoma formed and ruptured. 3/12 opened again to wash out with antibiotic fluid. 3/17 extreme pain. Seen in office on 3/22 given new antibiotic and told it should clear the infection. With fever 101 and BP over 145. 3/26 2nd opinion, new surgeon claims immediate removal, org dr claims can wait until fri (it’s mon) and you can’t go septic. 3/27 implants removed. Arguing over when it can go back in?

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about the complications you have experienced; your disappointment/frustration is certainly understandable. You will find that there are very few "absolutes" in the field of plastic surgery. In other words, practices will vary from one plastic surgeon to another.
Personally, I think that the management of breast implant exposure situation needs to be individualized. In most cases, patients are best served by removing the breast implant involved, with the goal of breast re augmentation many months subsequently. Ultimately, timing of the re operation is best individualized depending on the clinical/microbiology findings.
Factors that I use when deciding when to return to the operating room include:  the nature of the infection present initially ( superficial versus deep, microbiology results…),  how well and/or quickly the patient's tissues "heal" after removal of breast implants,  the patient's physical examination with emphasis on softness/pliability of the patient's tissues…  Generally, if in doubt, best to undergo breast re augmentation LATER rather than too soon.
Keep in mind, what I have described is based on my personal experience/opinions.  your plastic surgeon, having the benefit of knowing your history and current situation, will always be your best resource.
Best wishes for an outcome that you will be pleased with longer-term.

Victor Ferrari, MD, FACS · Answer

Sorry to hear about your complications.  There is not set answer to your question.  Your PS will likely consider multiple factors before deciding when it is safe to replace your implants.  In general, the average wait time is 3 months.

Christine Blaine, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I am sorry to hear about the complications that you have endured following your breast augmentation and breast lift.  While every patient must be evaluated individually to determine the most appropriate course of action, I typically recommend that patients wait a minimum of three months before considering replacement of the implant(s) following removal due to an implant infection or implant exposure.  While I can appreciate your frustration and the confusion due to differing opinions, I would encourage you to discuss this and the conflicting recommendations with those Board Certified Plastic Surgeons who have evaluated you.  I wish you all of the best and I hope that this answer has been helpful.

Had implants removed due to infection. How long do you have to wait to replace them? (Photos)

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Had implants removed due to infection. How long do you have to wait to replace them? (Photos)

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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