How to Recognize Infection Symptoms After Breast Augmentation

BEVERLY HILLS, CA, January 01, 2012 (Press-News.org) Infection can occur with any surgery. And while infections are not common after breast augmentation surgery, especially if an experienced and skilled breast surgeon performed the breast augmentation, they are possible.

If an infection will develop, it will usually happen within the first few days following the breast augmentation. An infection can develop at any time during the healing process, but is highly unlikely. There are symptoms you can watch out for to catch the development of an infection in the early stages. If you have any symptoms of an infection, please visit your breast surgeon immediately for diagnosis and treatment.

Signs of infection after breast augmentation include:

- Fever
- Swelling
- Redness
- Inflammation
- Tenderness
- Pain

You may experience one or a combination of these symptoms if you are developing an infection. Contact your breast surgeon if you have questions or feel you may be at risk for an infection.

If you have an infection, your plastic surgeon may prescribe an antibiotic. An infection can range from moderate to severe. Severe infections may require hospitalization and additional treatment. Although severe infections following breast augmentation are rare, catching an infection in its early stages will limit an infection from progressing.

Steps to Take to Avoid an Infection After Breast Augmentation

Your breast surgeon will give you post-operative instructions to follow for a speedy and healthy recovery. He or she will explain the instructions and answer any questions you may have. Please follow your plastic surgeon's instructions to prevent complications.

Do not go swimming, take a bath, or soak in a hot tub until your incisions are completely healed. Your incisions may become infected if you do not wait. Your breast surgeon will give you a specific time frame to wait before participating in these and other activities that may increase your risk for infection.

Avoid touching your incisions. Bacteria may enter your incisions from your hands. Keep your incisions clean and follow your breast surgeon's instructions on how to keep them clean. If you need to apply medication or ointment to your incisions, ask your breast surgeon what the best way is to do so. You may need to use a sterile cotton swab.

f you would like additional information on breast augmentation, please visit the website of experienced Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Eugene Kim, M.D. at http://www.ekimplasticsurgery.com.