Cellulitis in right breast

Question

I went to see my PS after I noticed swelling and pain. He examined me and immediately sent me to a nearby hospital for an ultrasound. My PS has put me on strong antibiotics (already helped!) and has given me his personal cellphone number so I can call him at any moment if the situation worsens - then I'll get IV treatment immediately. (My PS is brilliant). Is there anything I can do in conjunction with taking the medication that can a) help fight the cellulitis and b) ensure it does not return?

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

It looks like your managing this well with guidance from your surgeon. I recommend continuing to follow his direction. Regards,

Steven J. Rottman, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Hopefully you just have cellulitis of the skin which will resolve with antibiotic therapy. Unfortunately, the infection likely communicates with the implant pocket. Oral and IV antibiotics may improve your symptoms, but the definitive treatment is a return to the operating room, washing out the implant space and removal of the device. Please have close follow up with your board certified plastic surgeon. Hope this helps and good luck.

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

What you have is an implant infection, which will not get better without removing the implant.  Strong oral antibiotics will not work, nor will IV antibiotics.  There is a point at which you have to recognize that the implant is a foreign body that if it becomes infected, it must be removed for the infection to heal (like not removing a splinter and expecting the infection to go away with antibiotics, it won't work).  Your surgeon needs to take you to the operating room, remove the implant, rinse the space, place a drain, wait for the infection to heal, then replace you implant.  He gave you his cell phone number because he knows just how dangerous a situation you are in, he just doesn't want to take the correct step because patients don't like to have their implants removed.

Shim Ching, MD · Answer

It sounds like your surgeon is doing a good job managing your infection.  At this stage, there is nothing you need to do in addition to what your surgeon is recommending.  I would rest as much as possible and avoid massaging the breast.  Aloha,Shim Ching, MD

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Hello!  Thank you for your question!  Sorry to hear if your problem.  It sounds as if your surgeon is treating you very well and appropriately. Infection is a known complication after any surgical procedure, albeit rare with breast augmentation.  Antibiotics is the treatment for a cellulitis, whether oral or IV. There is no way to prevent further infections - just ensure appropriate, clean wound care.  For the development of a periprosthetic infection, surgical intervention may be required, with possibility for removal.   I hope that the antibiotics will take care of your issue. Best wishes!

Benjamin J. Cousins, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and best of luck with your recovery. It sounds like you and your plastic surgeon are doing the right things to treat cellulitis, and there is not much else to do at this point. Stay in close contact with your plastic suregon so he/she can follow your recovery and ensure it is not a different issue.Benjamin J. Cousins MDBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Brian Arslanian, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question.  Sounds like everything is being done correctly.  Follow the instructions exactly and keep the breast clean and covered at all times.  Good Luck"The above answer has been given without seeing this
patient and cannot be substituted for actual in-person examination and medical
advice; it is only opinion. Seek in-person treatment with a trained medical
professional for appropriate care."

Keith Denkler, MD · Answer

It sounds like your plastic surgeon is on the alert.Not much to do but rest, don't overdo yourself and allow the antibiotics to do their job.Glad you PS is there to help.

Pedro M. Soler, Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. From the details provided it sounds as though you are being appropriately treated. There is not much else that can be done, other than to monitor your improvement. Should the redness return after/during the antibiotic regimen, this may be an indication that the infection has reached the implant. Continue in close follow up with your surgeon as he is in the best position to evaluate and treat you during this time.

Cellulitis in right breast

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