Infected Implant - Has this happened to anyone else?

Kasi,

I had an infection after expander placement.  I was put on IV antibiotics for 10 days and it was salvaged and I did not lose them. So we don't always lose them after infection. It was okay for me and I hope you recover also. 

Kasi, good luck to you, I wish you well, keep positive!

Kasi,

Wishing you all the best! I did preventative surgery.....my body didn't like any foreign material in me. So I ended up doing 2 LDF procedures at different times. I never got to implants. While no one responds the same it seems that if the surgeon felt you were okay to put a new implant in then I believe it's a good sign. Stay on track, keep positive people around you and know you have great medical care with lots of support. The rest will take care of itself. As I'm sure you have learned you can do this!!!!

Kasi, this happened to my friend.  She didn't have radiation, but got an infection anyway.  It lasted 9 months until she finally had it removed.  Six months later she had a DIEP and is thrilled with the results. 

I had radiation, too - no infection, but I am not happy, so have scheduled a PAP for Sept.  I'd like my breasts to look and feel more normal.

Kasi,

I'm so sorry about your infection.  I have a friend that also got an infection a week or so after her exchange surgery.  She ended up having both implants removed as the PS thought the infection was going to travel to the other breast as well.  She had a rare microbacteria infection.  They aren't sure if she will ever be able to have implants again. 

I haven't had an infection but my plastic surgeon told me that reconstructed breasts with implants are always at risk for infection and that an infection can occur at any time--even years later.  He said this is even more common when you have had radiation.  I am shocked by this and a little scared as I am considering having my implants replaced with a slightly larger set along with some fat grafting to fill in an indent or crease in my upper breast area.  After thinking about this for about a month I'm not sure I should have this surgery.  Maybe I should just leave well enough along you know?

hello sweetie, I too had trouble with my implant, I had the expander put in and a couple weeks later during the holidays I awoke with from a nap hollering to my husband that I had severe pain in my chest were the implant was, and called my doc sent me to the E R and it caused a fever also and it hardened, so painful I was admitted and it was removed, doc said my rejected it as a foreign body, I started with a prothesis and have it since, pleased with it, after that experience I didn,t want to go thru that again, and Thank GOD I am now a 18 yr Survivor, God Bless Us All.  msphil(idc,stage2, 0/3 nodes chemo and rads and 5 yrs on Tamoxifen,(L mast).

I had two lumpectomy's. Then I had breast lifts and implants. One month later my radiated breast implant got infected. It was a very serious infection, and I had to get the implant removed. That was 6 months ago. In September I am going to have latissimus flap surgery and an implant.

I'm so sorry you had to deal with that! I'm in the exact same boat you were in. How didn't your surgery go?

Ugh, sorry to hear Javalon. My left radiated side isn't infected but it sprung a tiny leak over 3 weeks ago. This past Mon ps stitched it as a last chance before having to take it out and I'd have to start over in 6 mo after it's out with TE again. He's going to make the call in 3 weeks or so. I've thought about if this comes out next month. My right implant is fine. I plan on getting a prosthetic bra so I'd at least be even under clothes. Insurance covers it as part of the bc dx.