The Battle Against Bacteria
Capsular contracture is a common complication that can occur after breast augmentation surgery. Preventing capsular contracture is essential for a successful outcome. Although the exact cause is still unknown, researchers have identified a strong association between capsular contracture and bacteria. To minimize the risk of developing this condition, there are 10 crucial steps you can take before and after your surgery.
1. Wash with Hibiclens
Prior to your breast implant procedure, it is important to thoroughly clean your chest area, including your nipples and areolas, with a product called Hibiclens. Hibiclens is an antiseptic solution that helps eliminate bacteria on the skin. By cleansing your chest the night before surgery, you can significantly reduce the risk of infection.
2. Use Bactroban in Your Nose
Another effective measure to prevent capsular contracture is the use of a medication called Bactroban. Apply Bactroban inside your nose for five days before surgery. This medication helps eliminate Staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria commonly found in the nose. By eradicating this bacterium, you can significantly decrease the chance of developing a surgical site infection.
3. Scrub Under Your Nails
If you have artificial nails, it is essential to clean under them thoroughly. Bacteria, fungus, and yeast can accumulate underneath the nails, increasing the risk of infection after surgery. Use a scrub brush and Hibiclens to clean under your nails the night before your procedure. There are lots of stories, and some studies in fact, tracing fungal infections in patients undergoing heart surgery because of a specific scrub nurse who had a chronic fungal infection under her nails. So cleaning under your nails is important but an often overlooked area to clean before surgery.
4. The Ogee Easy Bra
In the operating room, a sterile bra called the Ogee EZBra will be placed on you. This unique bra is designed to cover your incisions with a clean and absorbent sterile dressing. Yes streile! It is the only sterile bra on the market. A new sterile Ogee Bra is placed each day
for the first five days after surgery. So each day you remove the previously placed Ogee Bra and put on a new, sterile the Ogee EZ Bra.
5. Quit Smoking
Smoking has numerous, well studied, detrimental effects on your health, but it can also increase the risk of capsular contracture. Smoking constricts blood vessels, reducing blood supply to various parts of the body and decreasing blood flow can give bacteria a leg up on their enemies: the white blood cell. By quitting smoking for at least one month before, and one month after receiving breast implants, you can improve your chances of avoiding capsular contracture.
6. Say No to Herbal Supplements
Avoid using any herbal supplements for one month before your surgery. Some herbal supplements can increase the risk of bleeding, and we know blood in the pocket alongside the implant increases your chance of developing a capsular contracture. Why? Because the very best food for bacteria is blood–they love it and thrive on it. To minimize the chance of developing capsular contracture, it is best to steer clear of any herbal supplements during this time which can increase bleeding.
7. Stay Away from NSAIDs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Motrin, Aleve, and Aspirin etc should be avoided before surgery. These medications can increase bleeding, which is favorable for bacteria growth. By abstaining from NSAIDs, you can reduce the risk of introducing blood into the implant pocket.
8. Minimize Trauma
Avoid any activities that may cause trauma or injury to your breasts for at least three weeks after surgery. Trauma and injury can lead to bleeding, creating an environment that bacteria thrive in. By minimizing trauma, you can effectively reduce the chances of developing capsular contracture. That doesn’t mean you can’t move your arms after surgery. Normal arm raising and arm movement, things we do everyday like reaching for a cup in the cabinet for our morning cup of coffee, are encouraged. Patients who are afraid, or more frequently, have been told by a well meaning friend or mother not to move their arms can end up with very stiff shoulders and neck pain which will slow down their recovery.
9. No Shaving
Prior to surgery, refrain from shaving the area around your areola. Shaving with a razor blade can create microabrasions on the skin, which provide an entry point for bacteria. To minimize the risk of infection, it is best to avoid shaving in this area for one week prior to surgery.
10. Dental Work
If you have any dental work planned, it is important to schedule it two to three weeks before or after your breast implant surgery. Dental procedures can stimulate bacteria in your mouth, which can potentially contaminate the implants through your bloodstream. By spacing out your dental work, you can reduce the risk of complications.
By following these ten steps, you can significantly decrease the likelihood of developing capsular contracture after breast augmentation surgery.
Remember, prevention is key when it comes to ensuring a successful and complication-free recovery.
