Does prophylactic antibiotic after breast augmentation to prevent capsular contracture work?

Dear Sandrak805,
capsular contracture happens. In fact, every implant has a capsule form around it, its just a certain percentage develop thick capsules. There is a lot we don't know about it actually. Some think that bacteria that gets on the implant during insertion can increase the risk. Thats why we use a Keller Funnel in our practice to reduce that possibility. Our capsular contracture rate is less than 2% because we use a keller funnel as well as meticulous operating room techniques.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Capsular contracture happens about 3% of the time or so. There are a number of theories, but no one has been able to link one specific item to capsular contracture. If you develop capsular contracture, it is not the surgeon's fault. Placing the implants behind the muscle, and using an inframmary incision may be reasonable. Most surgeries require perioperative antibiotics. Follow your PS's recommendations as he aware of your current health, and is responsible for your healing and recovery.

Always best to check with your surgeon's protocol. 95% of antibiotic effectiveness comes from the intravenous dose right before surgery. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee.

It is standard to give one dose of antibiotics at the time of surgery. I am not aware of the use of antibiotics being used longer term and it’s effect on capsular contracture. It would be very difficult to study because the follow up would have to be several years.

Antibiotics taken right before and for a short time after surgery does show less chance of developing early capsules. Yes, this is reported in the literature and most surgeons do use antibiotics.

Antibiotics after surgery are given to prevent infection and not so much for capsular contracture. The best way to avoid capsular contracture is to minimize any contact of the implant with any non-sterile surface or irritants such as the skin bacteria or blood. This will minimize the risk of inflammation and formation of a capsule. If you are developing an early capsule, there is some evidence that taking a particular medication for asthma can stop the capsule from forming. It is best to discuss this with your surgeon. Hope this helps!

Johnson C. Lee, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon​

Thank you for your question. Subclinical infection after breast augmentation is known to be a cause of capsular contracture.
Therefore prophylactic antibiotics are always recommended after breast augmentation
However other factors are very important and should be adhered to. The "no touch" technique for breast augmentation" is a multistep process that is essential to reduce the risk of capsular contracture