Infection after mammoplasty

Mammoplasty, also known as breast reduction, is a method used to remove excess fat, tissue, and skin from the breasts. If you have large breasts, you can opt for Mammoplasty in Iran to reduce discomfort or reach a breast size that fits your body. Breast reduction surgery may also help improve your appearance and ability to participate in physical activity.

If you are planning to have breast reduction surgery, consult an experienced plastic surgeon. It is important to understand that breast reduction surgery involves potential risks and complications. The decision to have breast reduction surgery or mammoplasty is individual.

You have to decide whether you will achieve your goals with the help of this surgery and whether its possible side effects are acceptable or not? Also, have realistic expectations. The plastic surgeon or hospital where you will have surgery should explain to you in detail the possible complications and risks associated with the surgery.

Are Infections after augmentation mammoplasty common?

You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure you are performing and its possible side effects. Infection is one of the possible complications of mammoplasty surgery that can usually occur after any major or minor surgery. If this happens, it may be treated with antibiotics and more dressings changed if necessary.

Wounds may not be sufficiently washed and cleaned after infection. Any major surgery under general anesthesia has a low risk of lung infection, especially among smokers, which can be treated with antibiotics. With the advancement of medical science, many ways can be used to prevent infection after surgery. The doctor should be sure of the patient’s previous and possible infection before surgery.

Because if there is an infection, the surgery should be postponed until it is eradicated. Care for the wound or the future is a very important point that one should be very careful about dressing at home.

Postoperative infection

Infection at the surgical site occurs when pathogens are present at the incision site and cause infection. Urinary tract infections and respiratory infections may occur after any surgery, but surgical site infection occurs only after surgery that requires an incision. Infection at the surgical site is relatively common and occurs in 2-5% of incisions.

The rate of infection varies depending on the type of operation. There are three types of surgical site infections which are classified depending on the severity of the infection. Infections are caused by germs that enter your body during or after surgery.

Symptoms of postoperative infection

Surgical site infection is classified as starting at the surgical wound site less than 30 days after incision. Symptoms of a surgical site infection include:

• Redness and swelling at the incision site
• Drain yellow or dark pus from the incision site
• Fever

Postoperative skin infection

An infection that is seen only on the layers of the skin and at the site of the stitches is called a superficial infection. Bacteria in the skin, operating room, surgeon’s hands, and other areas of the hospital can be transmitted to your wound during surgery. Because your immune system is focused on recovering from surgery, germs multiply at the site of your infection.

These types of infections can be painful but usually respond well to antibiotics. Sometimes your doctor may need to open part of the incision and drain it.

Postoperative muscle and tissue wound infection

Postoperative muscle and tissue wound infection, also known as a deep incision infection, involves the soft tissues around your incision. This type of infection is deeper than the layers of your skin and can be caused by an untreated superficial infection. Deep infections require treatment with antibiotics.

Your doctor may also have to open and empty your incision to get rid of contaminated discharge.

Risk factors for infection after surgery

Infections are more common in adults and the elderly. Health conditions that endanger your immune system and can increase your risk of infection include:

• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Previous skin infection

Breast infections are usually treated with antibiotics. Treatment is usually done for 7-10 days to ensure that the infection does not return. You should take all prescription drugs according to your doctor’s instructions. Your doctor will probably recommend a visit after a few weeks to make sure the infection is completely cured.

Ask your doctor if you can take painkillers (OTC), such as acetaminophen if you have pain or discomfort. If oral antibiotics do not respond well, your doctor may prescribe intravenous antibiotics.

Other potential risks of breast reduction surgery

• Undesirable wound scars
• Infection
• Changes in the shape of the breast that may be temporary or permanent
• Risks of anesthesia
• Bleeding (hematoma)
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Delayed wound healing
• irregular appearance of the breast
• Skin discoloration, permanent pigment changes, swelling and bruising
• Damage to deeper structures – such as nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and lungs – may occur, which can be temporary or permanent.
• Breast asymmetry
• Fluid accumulation
• Excessive breast stiffness
• Potential inability to breastfeed
• Possible loss of skin/breast tissue where the incisions meet
• Possible, partial, or complete loss of the nipple
• Persistent pain
• Hypersensitivity to tape, sutures, and adhesives, blood products, topical medications, or injectable
• Deep fat tissue may be lost (fat necrosis)
• Possibility of needing corrective surgery

You should know that

• Breast reduction surgery can interfere with some diagnostic procedures.
• Perforation of the breast and nipple can cause infection.
• Your ability to breastfeed following breast reduction surgery may be limited. If you are planning to breastfeed a baby, talk to your doctor about this
• Breast reduction surgery can be performed at any age, but the best results are obtained if breast growth is complete.
• Changes in the breasts during pregnancy can alter the consequences of previous breast reduction surgery, as can significant weight fluctuations.
• Although good results are expected, in some cases, achieving the desired results with one breast reduction method is not possible and another surgery may be necessary

When you go home

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience shortness of breath, chest pain, or an unusual heartbeat. In the event of any of these complications, hospitalization and subsequent treatment may be required.

Precautions

Following the patient’s instructions is important for the success of a surgery. Surgical incisions mustn’t be subjected to excessive pressure, wear, or movement during healing. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to take care of yourself and minimize the risks of breast reduction surgery.

Be sure to ask: The plastic surgeon needs to address all the questions directly. It is normal for the patient to feel anxious, stressed, or excited about the outcome of the surgery. Talk to your plastic surgeon about these feelings.

How to prepare for breast reduction surgery

You need to be in good physical condition to ensure proper recovery, so follow your surgeon’s instructions before and after breast reduction surgery.

Before surgery, you should prepare your home for recovery. Be sure that these items are available:

• Plenty of ice
• Sterile gauze and clean wipes and towels
• Comfortable and loose T-shirt and blouse
• Special ointments or creams that your surgeon recommends for incisions

You should also plan so that if you do not stay in the hospital, at least the first night after the operation, someone will come home with you and be with you at least the first night.