Breast Implant Post Op Risks

Risks following breast augmentation are rare. One risk that can occur is Breast Implant Capsular Contracture.  The normal scar that forms around a breast implant is called a capsule.  When some thickening and hardening occurs in the capsule it is called capsular contracture.  This may create discomfort and asymetry in the breasts.  The cause is not fully understood, but most Plastic Surgeons believe that it is the result of a Biofilm, which is a very low level seeding of bacteria in the capsule that creates inflammation and subsequent tightening.  People who have heart murmurs, orthopedic joint replacement, heart valve replacement or other medical devices implanted are advised to take antibiotics prior to dental procedures to limit the release of bacteria into the body.   Because of this, Dr. Shatkin recommends that individuals with Breast Implants who are undergoing medical procedures, such as gynecological, urological, dental or gastrointestinal procedures, like a colonoscopy, take antibiotics for 72 hours, starting 1 hour before the procedure and continuing for 3 days.  

There is no absolute scientific proof that these procedures may increase the incidence of capsular contracture, or that antibiotic prophylaxis my prevent it, but Dr. Shatkin has noticed, anecdotally in his practice,  that most patients that present with Breast Implant capsular contracture have a history of infection or an intervention of one of the above procedures without the use of antibiotics. Amoxicillin 1000mg one hour before treatment and continuing 4 times per day for 72 hours is recommended by Dr. Shatkin.  If one is allergic to penicillin, Clindamycin 600mg 4 times per day is also an option. A short 3 day dosing of antibiotics is innocuous and very inexpensive, and Dr. Shatkin believes is cost effective if it can reduce the risk of breast implant capsular contracture.