From the Research
The triple antibiotic solution for breast augmentation typically contains gentamicin, vancomycin, and cefazolin, as evidenced by the most recent and highest quality study 1. This combination provides broad-spectrum antimicrobial coverage to help prevent infection during breast implant surgery.
- Gentamicin targets gram-negative organisms
- Vancomycin is effective against resistant Staphylococcus species
- Cefazolin is a first-generation cephalosporin effective against gram-positive bacteria The solution is typically prepared by mixing these antibiotics in sterile saline or irrigation fluid, which is then used to irrigate the breast pocket before implant placement and to soak the implants themselves prior to insertion. The exact dosing may vary, but a common formulation includes 80 mg of gentamicin, 1 g of vancomycin, and 1 g of cefazolin in 500 mL of isotonic saline, as described in the BREAST-AB trial 1. This triple antibiotic approach provides comprehensive protection against the most common pathogens that could contaminate breast implants during surgery, and its efficacy is supported by recent studies 2, 1. The use of this solution has been shown to reduce the incidence of postsurgical infection and improve outcomes in breast augmentation patients, with no reported vancomycin-related adverse effects 2. Overall, the combination of gentamicin, vancomycin, and cefazolin in a triple antibiotic solution is a safe and effective approach to preventing infection in breast augmentation surgery, and its use is supported by the most recent and highest quality evidence 1.