Doctors warn against cheap, sub-standard breast implants

City doctors have warned women against opting for cheap, sub-standard implants for breast enhancement surgeries as it could result in infections.

City doctors have warned women against opting for cheap, sub-standard implants for breast enhancement surgeries as it could result in infections.

HT Image

Last month, doctors at Breach Candy Hospital removed implants from the right breast of a 30-year-old woman, who had developed an infection caused by Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA), a ‘superbug’ that is resistant to conventional antibiotics.

The patient had undergone a breast enhancement surgery three years ago.

“Though MRSA is known to be a hospital-acquired infection, the sub-standard quality of implants in this patient’s case could also be the reason for the infection,” said Dr Mohan Thomas, cosmetologist, Breach Candy Hospital, who removed the implants.

The patient had complained of pain, redness, swelling and disfigurement of the right breast. She suffered from capsule contracture. Once a breast implant is inserted in the body, the body reacts to it and forms a protective lining, a capsule, around it. In capsule contracture, the capsule shrinks pushing the implant out which leads to disfigurement and leakage of the fluid in the breast.

The patient has been put on a dose of antibiotics. Her child’s nasal swabs were also tested to rule out MRSA infection, as the child had been in close contact with her. “The child has tested negative for MRSA. We are closely monitoring the patient,” said Dr Thomas.

However Dr Debraj Shome, plastic surgeon, Fortis Hospital, who has co-authored a scientific article on MRSA, said that the infection could occur irrespective of the type of implant used. “There is a possibility that the bacteria is introduced with a contaminated implant in the body. In such a case, the patient does not show symptoms immediately,” said Dr Shome.