Infection after implant reconstruction

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Mwgirlintx
Mwgirlintx Member Posts: 9
edited October 2020 in Breast Reconstruction

Hi ladies,

I’m hoping to get some insight about infections with implants. I write this from my hospital bed after being admitted for IV antibiotics last night. I have a ton of questions for my PS, but was hoping to get info from this lovely group of ladies. My exchange surgery was on Sept 21. All seemed to be ok until this past Sunday (4 weeks post exchage) when I developed body aches, chills, and pain and redness in one of my breasts. Turns out it’s Infected. Just wondering what would cause this? My understanding is that it is uncommon with implants than with TE’s. Never had a problem with my TE’s.

Also, does this inevitably lead to removing the implant? And what is the likelyhood of a recurrent infection? I’m so upset with the idea of going though it again. It would mean the very little fat I had to graft has gone to waste, and that was the worst part of the recovery.

I am trying to figure out if this is a careless mistake by the surgeon. It seems to me that the primary goal should be to prevent infection. I’m trying to decide if I need to search for a new PS. Any insight would be so helpful and appreciated as I make this decision.

Thanks in advance!

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  • JenMM
    JenMM Member Posts: 3
    edited October 2020

    Ohh, I'm so sorry. And I have almost no answers for you either, I wish I did. I've been so scared of infection. I just had my tissue expanders traded out for implants on 9/30, so only a little while after you. All is good so far. Like you, most of the pain at this point is from the fat grafting. I did take antibiotics at home for 10 days after the surgery. My PS mentioned once that there is a higher incidence of infection with textured implants, which was why he only uses ones with a smooth shell. Do you know anything about if your implants are textured? I think the implants can get infected any time. My doctor mentioned once that sometimes even a trip to the dentist can cause an infection of your implants. I don't remember what he explained about how that happens, but he said for some people he recommends prophylactic antibiotics ahead of any trips to the dentist. I see you posted a couple days ago, have you gotten to talk to your doctor since then?

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