Custom Facial Implants

Q: Dr. Eppley, at what time period can infection be ruled out in custom facial implants?  Like three weeks?  I am worried about second hand smoke from people causing infection, I’ve never smoked in my life but am worried about that. 

I was wondering what is done in the case of infection with custom facial implants, do they always have to be removed or do the infections sometimes clear up?  What can I do aside from taking the prescribed antibiotics in order to help prevent infection? 

A: The treatment of infection in custom facial implants is no different than that of any other implant placed in the body. The only effective treatment options s is to either remove the implant or clean out the wound, re-sterilize the implant(s) and immediately re-insert it. The infection never gets cleared up by any other maneuver. it is critically important that he biofilm layer on the implant be completely removed if any treatment is to be effective.

Second hand smoke is not a cause of infection. Other than talking antibiotics and using Peridex mouthwash, there is nothing else you can do. 

The risk of infection is never completely ruled out for 6 to 8 weeks after surgery.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana