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A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Augusta, GA
January 12
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What happens when an implant needs to be removed due to infection?

Infection is the most common reason for tissue expander or implant removal after breast reconstruction. About 9 percent of women with expanders develop infections requiring removal, typically within the first few weeks of placement, though they can occur Show Full Answer

What happens when an implant needs to be removed due to infection?

Infection is the most common reason for tissue expander or implant removal after breast reconstruction. About 9 percent of women with expanders develop infections requiring removal, typically within the first few weeks of placement, though they can occur later.

Signs of infection to watch for:

- Fever or chills
- Breast skin discoloration
- Discharge or fluid from incision sites
- Swelling or warmth in the breast area
- Severe itching
- Pain in chest muscles or upper back
- Feeling generally unwell

If you notice these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. Sometimes infections can be treated with antibiotics before removal becomes necessary - one study showed 73 percent of people kept their expanders when treated early with antibiotics. What happens after removal?

After an infected expander or implant is removed, your body needs time to heal. The next steps vary by individual circumstances:

- Some receive a temporary implant to maintain the stretched skin
- Others wait several months before getting a new expander
- Some successfully treat the infection and save the expander with antibiotics

MyBCTeam members have shared different experiences - some waited three months before getting a new expander, while others had new expanders placed after completing treatments like radiation. Almost 80 percent of those with expander complications eventually have successful reconstruction, so this setback doesn't mean you can't achieve your reconstruction goals.

January 12
A MyBCTeam Member

I understand- I thought for sure that all the treatments etc would be done by the time of my older son's wedding- and then when they found a venue, and it had an opening so they moved it up by a year!! And since they had moved the date up so fast, they did not have an officiate available. Virginia allows anyone- friend or family- provided you live in the same jurisdiction as the wedding (which I did) to go to the courthouse and register to do the wedding- if the judge reviews and approves the application- which includes swearing you will file all the necessary paperwork etc- it can be done. So, shy, extra self-conscious me, in my wig- ended up doing the honors! It may be uncomfortable- but this is their special day- and you will be glad to be there to be part of it, no matter the speed bumps cancer tries to put in the way! Hugs!

January 27
A MyBCTeam Member

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I feel like I the only one! It gets very discouraging. I thought I would have completed everything before my last child's wedding in May but that's not going to happen. I can't even get excited about going to try on dresses like this. I know this too shall pass! Maybe I shouldn't be so vain!

January 27
A MyBCTeam Member

i would trust what you feel inside your body im sure from thè outside it not ideal but it takes time and patience your body needs to heal i waited 6 mobths. when i saw the surgeon after those 6 months he was ready to do the flap it was such an invasive surgery i interrupted him and said lets try expanders again. hw was pleasantly suprised. ßo that what we did. remember its not thier choice its your choice your body. try not to be afraid of what you want. you have sacrificed your body youŕ boobs for your life. after your surgery this week the healing will start no need to make any decisions just yet you will know after a few months while you body rejuvenates itself. mean while dont wear a bra you need to wear ßports bra with the padding. i tell you i wore this sports bra with a tank top over it ànyone who didnt know what i was ĝoing through could never tell i didnt have boobs. it was just for a little while while i healed. i will say prayers for you on this journey. we are àll here if you need some encouraging words. yoyr not alone.

January 15
A MyBCTeam Member

Thank you for responding. I am glad to hear someone else had an infection and could be reconstructed later. The skin is definitely wrinkled up on the chest wall. One surgeon says another implant is not even an option, it would have to be a flap procedure and another says yes put an implant back after infection cleared. I am so confused about who is right.

January 15

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