When considering breast surgery, it can be exciting to look forward to stunning and transformative results. However, a common concern among prospective patients is associated surgical risks. Here, we discuss how to identify signs of infection after breast surgery to help you prepare for the recovery process and stay informed.
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Choosing to Get Breast Surgery
Many women are excited to get breast surgery to enhance their breasts and achieve the aesthetic they desire. Whether it’s breast augmentation, breast lift surgery, breast implant revision, or some other breast procedure, breast surgery can sculpt beautiful results tailored to suit each patient’s unique goals and figure. While breast surgery can provide these transformative and life-altering results, it is also equally important for prospective patients to understand potential risks before committing to a procedure. Like with any surgical procedure, there are risks of infection, and it is crucial to be aware of these so you can spot any warning signs early on and seek professional help.
Understanding Breast Surgery Risks
During a consultation, your board-certified plastic surgeon will let you know of the potential risks associated with your selected breast surgery. When your surgeon is evaluating your candidacy for a breast procedure, health status is one of the most important things they will evaluate. Your surgeon will review your medical history with you, as well as your current medications and lifestyle habits, to see if you meet the good general health requirement for surgery. This is an essential part of the consultation because being in good health helps reduce the chance of developing an infection or other risks post-surgery.
Warning Signs to Keep in Mind
Your surgeon will inform you of various signs of infection before your surgery so you can be aware of potential warning signs and get assistance in a timely manner. Below, we’ve listed some common indicators of infection to look out for. If you experience any of these symptoms after your breast surgery, contact your surgeon as soon as possible so the infection can be treated and properly addressed.
Excessive Pain or Discomfort
Some pain and discomfort can be expected after breast surgery, especially in the first week of recovery. However, this pain should be manageable with pain medications prescribed by your surgeon. Intense pain or tenderness around the breasts can be a sign of infection. If you feel excessive pain or discomfort after surgery, contact your surgeon.
Increased Swelling or Bruising
During breast surgery recovery, some swelling and bruising are expected, but there should not be an excessive amount. Swelling that occurs at a rapid speed can be a sign of infection that needs medical attention.
Fluid Discharge or Pus
You’ll be instructed to keep your incision sites clean and avoid touching them unnecessarily during recovery. If you notice pus or fluid drainage developing at your incision sites, there is likely an infection.
Bleeding
Some bleeding at the incision sites is normal, but there should not be a significant amount of blood. If you notice extensive bleeding or bleeding that continues for several days, contact your surgeon for assistance so they can help determine what needs to be done next.
Redness
Excessive redness in the incision sites or the general treatment area can be a sign of infection. Let your surgeon know of any excessive redness as soon as possible.
High Fever
A high fever after surgery is one of the most certain signs of an infection. If a fever higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit occurs days or even weeks after surgery, it is very likely that an infection needs treatment immediately.
How Common Is Infection After Breast Surgery?
Infections can occur after any type of surgery, not just a breast procedure. While it is important to understand that there is a risk of infection, it’s also important to note that infections are not common. With a good breast surgery candidate and a skilled board-certified surgeon, the chances of developing an infection significantly decrease. Still, patients need to follow all instructions from their surgeon, especially instructions pertaining to activity restrictions and cleaning the incision sites, to ensure that recovery goes as smoothly as possible.
How Quickly Can an Infection Develop After Surgery?
Each infection situation varies depending on the patient and the circumstances surrounding the surgery. An infection may develop as early as a few days after the breast procedure. For an infection to be classified as a surgical site infection (linked to the breast surgery), the infection can develop as late as 30 days after the surgery or 90 days if prosthetic material (i.e., implants) is used during the procedure.
How Do You Treat a Breast Infection After Surgery?
In general, infections after surgery can be treated with a series of antibiotics prescribed by your surgeon. The type and frequency of the antibiotics will depend on the patient and the infection. In more extreme cases, a breast revision procedure may be needed, though this is rare.
Want to Know More About Breast Surgery in Ontario, CA?
Are you considering breast augmentation, a breast lift, breast implant revision, or another breast surgery? If so, contact Dr. Troy Andreasen’s office for more information about your desired procedure. To schedule your personalized breast consultation, call (909) 291-4900 or fill out our online contact form.
