Resolution of late-developing periprosthetic breast infections without prosthesis removal.

Based on prior experience with implant exposure, an aggressive regimen to eradicate periprosthetic infections has proven successful in delayed gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial infections and in atypical microbacterial infections. The objective of the "salvage" procedure is to retain a prosthesis, to maintain breast contour, and to avoid psychological and physical consequences of prosthesis removal. The "salvage" procedure involves topical antisepsis, contracture release if needed, systemic and topical antibiotics with intermittent or continuous irrigation, and reinforcement of incision lines in selected cases using local tissue flaps.