Infection After Breast Augmentation / Breast Implants Surgery
Breast Augmentation & Breast Implant Risks
Risks
Infection |
Infection
With any surgery, an infection can occur. Generally, infections usually make themselves known within a few days to a few weeks following surgery, however, it is possible for them to occur at any time after surgery. Typically, symptoms include fever, swelling, tenderness, and inflammation (redness). Thankfully, most infections can be treated with antibiotics. However, if the infection does not respond to the antibiotics, the breast implant(s) may have to be removed, until the infection has completely cleared. The time frame on re-implantation can range from a few weeks to several months, depending upon the severity of the infection.
If you develop a fever of 101 or higher, consult
with your surgeon immediately. There have been
cases of infection in which there was NO fever.
If you have one or more of the symptoms listed
above, with or without fever, please get in
touch with your physician.
In very rare cases, severe infections can result
in Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).
Virtually all plastic surgeons prescribe
antibiotics, which are taken for several days
after the surgery. Antibiotics are also usually
given via IV drip, during your surgery.
Infections, especially serious infections, are
not very common after breast augmentation
surgery.
A Few Tips
Don't soak in the bathtub or hot tub until your incisions are completely closed. Waiting two weeks is usually a good time frame, but be sure to get your surgeon's approval first.
- Do not go swimming. You probably
won't want to anyway, especially if your
implants were placed under the muscle.
Again, two weeks is amount of time, but
again, be sure to get your surgeon's
approval.
- Avoid touching your incision.
Bacteria from your hands could get on/in the
incision and possibly cause an infection.
If your surgeon asks you to apply any type
of ointment, ask him/her if it would be okay
to use a clean, sterile Q-Tip to do so.
- Many women complain of their breasts
itching after surgery. This is usually
due to the skin stretching. Using a
lotion or moisturizer often helps relieve
the itching. However, apply lotion
with caution, as you do not want to get it
on/in your incision.
- If your incisions are you in your
armpit, avoid using deodorant on the
incision until it has completely closed.
Ask your surgeon if you can keep the steri-strips
on your incision until they fall of by
themselves. By doing this, you can
still wear deodorant, but you won't run the
risk of getting it on your incision.
- Always check with your plastic surgeon and follow his/her advice. The tips above should not be used as medical advice. They are generalizations and should be used as a point of reference only.
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