Breast Augmentation: Cost, Reviews, Photos

It is not normal to have redness and tenderness one month after a breast augmentation. Both of these symptoms are suggestive of infection.

Your surgeon is probably trying to salvage the implant with the courses of antibiotics that you are taking.

Close follow up with your surgeon is critical until the implant declares itself. A sonogram may help the diagnosis. (Kenneth R. Francis, MD, FACS, Manhattan Plastic Surgeon)

You need to follow up with your surgeon

With the history you give, there is a chance that the implant is involved. Frequent evaluations by your surgeon would be necessary.

If it is determined to be an issue, the implant would need to come out, with analysis of the fluid surrounding it to see what type of bacteria is involved. After a suitable timeframe, 4-6 weeks, it can be replaced if otherwise conditions have become stable. (Michael A. Marschall, MD, Chicago Plastic Surgeon)

Please go back to your doctor

What you are describing is not normal for breast augmentation recovery. It is very possible you have an infection and antibiotics usually won’t fix it. Best to go back to your plastic surgeon right away for another exam. (Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS, Seattle Plastic Surgeon)

Infection seems probable, but does it involve the implant?

Tenderness and redness 1 month after breast augmentation are not normal. The question is really whether or not your implant is involved.

If it is, the antibiotics will not work. If it is not, they might. A fever is not always part of the picture. Follow the problem along with your surgeon closely.

At some point he might need to do something about this besides giving you antibiotics (John P. Di Saia, MD, Orange Plastic Surgeon)

You probably do have a low grade infection.

In my opinion, you need to be seeing your surgeon at least twice a week until your right breast is entirely normal or until it becomes obvious that the implant is infected. (George J. Beraka, MD (retired), Manhattan Plastic Surgeon)

Your recovery already is not normal. You have had 2 different antibiotics, and likely a third just prior to the surgery. You are still red, and tender. Is the breast firmer than the other side? Signs of infection include fever, pain, swelling, local heat. I would agree – don’t doctor this yourself. Your ps should be in the loop asap. (Scott E. Kasden, MD, Dallas Plastic Surgeon)

Implant infections are usually obvious- you’ll know

While it is possible you have an infection of your skin and soft tissues (called cellulitis), an infection that involves your implants would be very rapidly progressive and associated with high fevers, worsening pain, and worsening swelling (even on antibiotics).

You would not be in doubt about whether or not you had a problem. The only thing that makes this better is to take the implants out. If you have cellulitis, it is important to treat it before the implants become involved (and it sounds like your surgeon is doing so with the antibiotics you’ve been given).

I would be very careful to keep all appointments, and keep your surgeon informed of any changes. Of course, it’s also possible you don’t really have an infection at all, but just some redness of the skin that doesn’t mean anything.

Only your surgeon will be able to say for sure, with the benefit of knowing the details of your surgical procedure, your postop course so far, and your current exam. (Armando Soto, MD, FACS, Orlando Plastic Surgeon)

When in doubt see your doctor.

Don’t try to play physician. When in doubt go back to your doctor. They know best and should be able to take care of you. (William B. Rosenblatt, MD, New York Plastic Surgeon)

Infection symptoms

Redness and warmth are two signs that you may have an infection. It’s good that you’ve seen your surgeon about this. Just follow their instructions, or if you don’t trust them, you can see your doctor for a second opinion. (Michael Constantin Gartner, DO, Paramus Plastic Surgeon)

Infection after Breast Augmentation

I think you need to have an ultrasound study to rule out a seroma (fluid collection around implant). This can progress to infection or cause significant scar tissue or capsular contracture.

If your ultrasound shows fluid, I would recommend operative intervention with irrigation of pocket, removal of any unhealthy capsule, replacement with a new implant, and placement of a drain.

If your ultrasound does not show fluid, then you may have a low grade soft tissue infection that might benefit from consultation with an infectious disease specialist for help in determing the optimal antibiotic regimen. (Paul S. Gill, MD, Houston Plastic Surgeon)

You need to follow very closely with your surgeon

If there is any question that you have an infection, then you need to follow very closely with your surgeon. If it is a superficial skin infection, then you may be able to treat it with antibiotics. However, if you have a deep infection or an infection of the implant itself, there is a chance that you may need to have the implant removed. (David Shafer, MD, New York Plastic Surgeon)