Understanding Infected Breast Implant Symptoms - Causes, Signs, Treatment

Understanding Infected Breast Implant Symptoms

Breast implants are a popular choice for women undergoing breast reconstruction after mastectomy or wanting cosmetic breast augmentation. Over 300,000 women get breast implants in the United States each year. While most patients have an uneventful recovery, breast implant infections can occur in some cases. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of an infected breast implant early is important to get prompt treatment.

What Causes Breast Implants to Become Infected?

Breast implant infections are caused by bacteria that get introduced during the surgical procedure or the recovery period. Some common ways bacteria can get in include:

• Through the incision during surgery
• From the skin during the implant placement
• Through the bloodstream if you have an infection elsewhere in the body
• From the hands of healthcare providers during postsurgical dressings

Certain factors can increase the risk of developing an infected breast implant after surgery:

• Diabetes or weakened immune system
• Current infection or open wound
• Previous radiation therapy on the breast
• Smoking or vaping tobacco or marijuana
• Obesity
• Poor surgical technique resulting in bleeding or hematoma

Early Signs of Breast Implant Infection

An infected breast implant will usually start showing symptoms within the first month after surgery. Be on the lookout for these early signs of infection:

• Fever - Having a body temperature over 100.4°F can signal an infection is brewing.
• Chills - Feeling chilled or shivery can also indicate a possible infection.
• Unusual pain - Increased or unusual breast pain beyond normal surgical discomfort.
• Swelling & redness - More swelling and redness around the implant or incision site.
• Warmth & tenderness - Feeling localized warmth and tenderness around the breast or implant.
• Fluid leakage - Any drainage of fluid from the surgical incision.

Later Stage Symptoms of Breast Implant Infection

If a breast implant infection isn't treated promptly, more noticeable symptoms can develop over the following days and weeks:

• Increasing pain - Severe pain or tenderness around the breast implant that worsens over time.
• Visible skin changes - The skin over the breast can look swollen, red, inflamed and warm to the touch.
• Ulceration & drainage - The incision site can open up and drain fluid, blood or pus.
• Foul odor - A bad smell from the drainage fluid or wound.
• Implant visibility - In some cases, part of the implant may become visible through the opened incision.
• Breast shape changes - Distortion or swelling in the shape of the breast around the infected implant.

When to See a Doctor for Infected Breast Implants

It's important to contact your plastic surgeon right away if you notice any possible signs of breast implant infection. Timely treatment is key to curing the infection and avoiding serious complications.

Your doctor will want to examine you as soon as possible if you have:

• Fever over 100.4°F
• Chills or flu-like symptoms
• Increasing breast pain or tenderness
• Signs of infection around the surgical incision
• Any new fluid leaking from the breast or implant
• Visible skin changes like swelling, redness, or ulceration

Early treatment with antibiotics and possibly surgical drainage of the infected fluid or removal of the implant has the best chance of successfully curing the infection before it spreads further. This also reduces the likelihood of needing implant removal.

When is Breast Implant Removal Needed for Infection?

If an infected breast implant is not treated early, the infection can spread to the surrounding breast tissue or into the implant itself. In moderate or severe cases of breast implant infection, the implant will likely need to be removed to cure the infection. Reasons implant removal may be necessary include:

• Infection that persists despite antibiotic treatment
• Recurrence of infection after initial treatment
• Presence of abscesses or pockets of pus within the breast
• Infection that has spread to the implant capsule
• Ruptured or exposed breast implant due to infection

Removal is done as soon as possible once it's determined the implant itself is infected or the source of ongoing infection. This can help prevent complications like a systemic blood infection or permanent breast deformity.

Recovering From Breast Implant Removal Surgery

The recovery process after infected breast implant removal will involve:

• Antibiotic therapy to clear any remaining infection
• Incision care & drainage as needed
• Follow-up exams to ensure infection is resolved
• Waiting at least 3-6 months before attempting implant replacement surgery

This allows the breast pocket to fully heal and reduces the chance of repeat infection with the new implant. Some women may opt not to replace the implant after implant removal surgery.

Preventing Breast Implant Infections

There are steps you can take before and after breast augmentation or reconstruction to help avoid developing an infected breast implant:

Before Surgery

• Choose an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon to perform your procedure
• Have any infections treated beforehand, and avoid surgeries if sick
• Carefully follow any presurgical preparation instructions
• Stop smoking/vaping several weeks beforehand to support healing
• Make sure you maintain good hygiene before your procedure

After Surgery

• Follow all postoperative wound care instructions carefully
• Keep dressings clean and dry to prevent contamination
• Take prescribed antibiotics exactly as directed
• Watch for any signs of infection and contact your doctor promptly
• Attend all follow-up visits so your healing can be monitored

Closely following your plastic surgeon's advice both before and after breast augmentation or reconstruction surgery is your best bet for avoiding complications like breast implant infections.

The Outlook for Infected Breast Implants

With prompt diagnosis and treatment, many breast implant infections can be cured with antibiotics alone and won't require implant removal. Mild infections often respond well if treated in the first weeks after surgery.

More severe or advanced infections may necessitate implant removal to clear the infection fully. But after a period of healing, a new breast implant can typically be placed to complete the reconstruction or augment the breast.

In rare cases, chronic lingering infection or implant-associated biofilm may mean implants cannot be used again. This possibility should be discussed with your plastic surgeon if you develop an infected breast implant.

Following proper surgical precautions and breast implant care guidelines gives you the best chance of avoiding complications. But see your doctor right away if you have any symptoms that could signal an infected breast implant early in your recovery.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.