Can I go forward with my breast augmentation tomorrow if I’ve got a ear infection?

Question

I got antibiotics from the doctors but when I rang the hospital where I am getting it done this morning they said not to take them as one more day shouldn’t affect my surgery. And they give me antibiotics after anyways I don’t have a temperature or a fever.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question and concerns. I always recommend that my breast augmentation patients be in the best health possible while undergoing surgery. If you are unsure about the state of your health and how this may affect your procedure, it is important to let your doctor know beforehand. If they determine that you are in good enough health to proceed, then the surgery will move forward as planned. If they decide to postpone your surgery while you recover from your ear infection, keep in mind they are doing this ultimately for your safety. 
  
If you have questions about whether you’re healthy enough to have surgery, please contact your doctor right away. best of luck!
  
Dr. Schwartz
  
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
  
#RealSelf100Surgeon
  
#RealSelfCORESurgeon

Vaishali B. Doolabh, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi.  Having an infection apriori puts you at increased risk of getting an infection in your breasts.  This can manifest early on as obvious redness, edge separation, fluid etc. around the incision and/or the breast mound itself.  In serious instances it may necessitate implant removal.  Infection is generally accepted as a cause of hardening of the implant capsule (contracture) that becomes painful, causes distortion, and may necessitate implant & capsule removal later on.  Talk to your PS directly and consider rescheduling.  Best wishes,

Christopher J. Davidson, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  My strong advice is to discuss your antibiotic and infection with your plastic surgeon.  Best of luck.

Bryan Criswell, MD · Answer

If a patient has any type of infection whether they are taking an antibiotic or not, surgical procedures may not be recommended.  The infection could potentially interfere with proper healing and it may not be safe to proceed with an active infection. This is an elective surgery and you and your surgeon should be satisfied that you and your body are ready for surgery.

Eric YK Li, MD · Answer

The ideal situation is always for you to be in your best possible health and free of infection prior to any surgery, let alone surgery that involves breast implants.  I would recommend that you let your surgeon know about your ear infection so that they can determine if it safe to proceed with surgery.  As always, seek proper consultation before treatment and best of luck!

Scott Greenberg, MD · Answer

If you have an actual ear infection, surgery should be postponed to avoid potential surgical wound infection or even infection of the implant space.  You should discuss this with your plastic surgeon just to be sure.

John J. Bandeian, MD · Answer

I recommend that you delay surgery if you have an actual ear infection to minimize the risk of getting a post op breast infection. Of course, if you were misdiagnosed and do not have an actual ear infection, it would be OK to have the breast surgery done as scheduled.

Robert H. Hunsaker, MD · Answer

That is a question your surgeon needs to answer. Be sure he/she knows before surgery so the best decision can be made.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

Talk to your surgeon and the Anesthesiologist about your ear infection.  I would advise you to postpone the surgery until you are clear of infection.

Thomas C. Wiener, MD (retired) · Answer

For any elective surgery, if you have a documented infection anywhere, surgery is best delayed to minimize the chance of infecting the implant. Discussing this asap with your plastic surgeon is the best thing to do.SincerelyThomas C. Wiener, MDHoustonthis information is not a substitute for a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon

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