For breast augmentation revision involving an infected breast implant, the standard recommendation is to remove the infected implant. Additionally, any materials within the implant pocket, such as sutures or other substances, should also be removed. This is done to eliminate potential sources of infection and prevent the continued spread of bacteria within the breast tissue.
Removing the infected implant and associated materials is essential to effectively treat the infection and minimize the risk of complications. After the removal, the patient's health and the condition of the breast tissue will be closely monitored. Once the infection has been successfully treated and the breast tissue has healed, it may be possible to consider a new implant placement after a minimum of 6 months.
The waiting period is crucial for several reasons:
Healing: Allowing sufficient time for the breast tissue to heal and recover from the infection is essential to minimize the risk of complications following the replacement surgery.
Scar Tissue Formation: Waiting gives the body time to naturally soften and reduce excessive scar tissue, which can contribute to a more comfortable and natural-looking result.
Infection Clearance: Ensuring that the infection is completely cleared before considering a new implant placement is crucial to prevent recurrence.