Infection can occur after any surgery. With implants it is uncommon but important, because a significant infection around an implant sometimes requires the implant to be removed.
Signs to watch for
- Increasing redness, warmth and swelling of the breast.
- Worsening pain, fever or feeling unwell.
- Discharge from the wound.
These usually appear in the first days to weeks after surgery and warrant urgent contact with your surgical team.
Prevention and treatment
Surgeons reduce risk with sterile technique, antibiotics, no-touch insertion and pocket irrigation. Treatment depends on severity, ranging from antibiotics for mild cases to washout or, in severe cases, temporary implant removal with later replacement. Low-grade contamination is also relevant to capsular contracture.