A breast implant infection can be a minor inconvenience or a major catastrophe for any woman who has undergone breast augmentation surgery and developed an unfortunate contamination. Infection can rarely occur during the procedure itself, but is far more often a result of poor post-operative hygiene.
Infection always has the potential to ruin otherwise flawless breast implant results, so be sure to be vigilant when taking care of your surgical wounds and report any sign of a problem to your surgeon right away.
Causes of Breast Implant Infection
Infections which occur during the operation itself are most often due to cross contamination or poor sterilizing techniques. These events are usually completely preventable and are the marks of amateur surgeons.
In some countries, there is a higher chance for infection, due to outdated procedures and protocols, so be warned when considering a medical tourism vacation involving cosmetic surgery.
Post-operative contamination is more likely, since any number of infections can occur due to simple exposure to everyday bacteria. Remember to take care of your incisions in the exact manner prescribed by your doctor and always be especially careful with fresh surgical wounds.
Preventing Breast Implant Infections
Periareolar incisions involve greater risk for infection, since there is a bacterium which lives in the nipple, which is known to cause problems in rare instances of breast augmentation.
Exposure to pets or young children is doubly dangerous, since these loveable critters both carry more bacteria and also may behave unpredictably, potentially causing injury to fresh surgical wounds. Be careful with pets and kids.
Make sure to follow your directions in changing dressings, washing the incisions and using any preventative antibiotics in pill or cream form.
Always keep the wounds sterile and dry while they are fresh and do not allow moisture to build up near the wounds due to humidity, perspiration or any other source.
Infected Breast Implant Consequences
Infection can be a minor concern, which can be treated with antibiotics in most cases. However, infection may become a real horror which entails follow-up surgeries, additional breast scarring and even complete rejection of the implant prosthesis.
Do not take any chances. Be sure to fully understand all post-operative directions from your surgeon. The best way to do this is to receive these instructions in the presence of another person who can help you to get everything right.
Additionally, request these instructions be provided in writing, so you have an easy reference sheet, in case you need clarification.
Most of all, remember that your incisions are deep and open wounds which require careful diligence. Treat them well and they will heal beautifully and without complication.