Are antibiotics mandatory after surgery?

Question

I really don’t like taking antibiotics because they mess up my stomach so much and my doctor is putting me on a seven day course of antibiotic after my procedure in a week. Do I have to take them or is it OK not to take them

Justin Yovino, MD, FACS · Answer

Antibiotics are notoriously over prescribed especially for elective cosmetic surgery. If a patient refuses antibiotics for surgery, we still proceed. I’ve never had a problem with that approach

James M. Economides, MD, FACS · Answer

It’s understandable that you’re concerned about taking antibiotics, especially if they cause stomach issues for you. However, post-surgical antibiotics are often prescribed to prevent infection, which can be a serious complication after any procedure. Whether or not you must take them depends on your individual situation, but here are a few key considerations:

Purpose of Antibiotics: After surgery, the risk of infection is higher, especially when incisions are involved. Antibiotics are prescribed to lower that risk and help your body heal without complications. An untreated infection can lead to more serious issues and even affect the success of your surgery.

Alternative Options: Some people are more sensitive to certain types of antibiotics. If you’ve experienced significant stomach issues in the past, you might want to discuss this with your doctor. There could be alternative antibiotics that are gentler on your stomach or even non-oral options like topical or intravenous antibiotics, depending on your specific case.

Probiotics and Stomach Support: If you do need to take antibiotics, you might also want to consider using probiotics or eating probiotic-rich foods (like yogurt or kefir) to help balance your gut bacteria and minimize stomach upset. This can sometimes lessen the gastrointestinal side effects of antibiotics.

Skipping Antibiotics: Not taking the prescribed antibiotics increases the risk of infection, which can lead to serious complications. It's generally not recommended to skip them without discussing it with your surgeon. They can evaluate your risk for infection and determine if the antibiotics are essential for your particular procedure.

It’s really important to have an open conversation with your doctor about your concerns. They may be able to offer a solution that helps protect your stomach while also ensuring that you’re protected from infection.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Eclectic223178,
every plastic surgeon has his own preoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. Most surgeons try to reduce the antibiotics use. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

You do not indicate what your surgery is, but if it is elective cosmetic surgery, data shows that only a single dose of intravenous antibiotics administered 30 minutes prior to incision is necessary, and that any post operative oral antibiotics DO NOT reduce your risk of infection. The only exception to this rule is breast implant surgery, where 24 hours of oral antibiotics after surgery can POSSIBLY reduce your risk of capsular contracture. 7 days of post operative antibiotics is completely unnecessary and potentially harmful to you and to society at large.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

If you are getting implants, you need antibiotics. Go ahead and start taking probiotics and stay on them for at least 3 months. Nipples are an open system and do contain bacteria. When placing implants, the nipples are disturbed, and bacteria are released into the blood. If the bacteria get around the implants you will either develop an infection or a capsule. Either of these may need additional surgery. Talk to your medical doctor for further advice.

Are antibiotics mandatory after surgery?

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Answer: Antibiotic stewardship

Answer: Antibiotic stewardship

Answer: Surgery

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Are antibiotics mandatory after surgery?

Answers (6)

Answer: Antibiotic stewardship

Answer: Antibiotic stewardship

Answer: Surgery

Answer: Surgery

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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.