Background: The most conservative approach to the patient with an infected breast prosthesis after mastectomy reconstruction remains removal of the implant. However, removal makes subsequent reinsertion more difficult, with less predictable results. Timely surgical intervention directed towards salvage of an infected implant can not only be successful, but may minimize subsequent infection-induced capsular contracture.

Methods: We present nine consecutive cases of infected breast implants in eight patients who underwent mastectomy for malignancy with immediate expander/implant reconstruction. 6 patients had localized infections unresponsive to oral antibiotics, and 2 initially presented with systemic infection. All were given intravenous antibiotics followed by drainage of fluid, debridement of the infected pocket, device exchange, and post-operative antibiotics.

Results: All nine implants currently remain without infection and without severe capsular contractures. Mean time to follow-up is 14.6 months (range, 10 to 25 months)

Conclusion: In infected breast implants after reconstruction, timely operative intervention can salvage the previously “unsalvageable” implant; additionally, the salvaged implant tends to be free from severe capsular contractures often seen after infections. Surgical salvage of an infected breast implant after mastectomy is a treatment option that should be considered in recalcitrant infection.