[Breast infections]

Breast infections such as mastitis and breast abscesses are frequent. They are usually caused by the same microorganisms as those that cause other soft tissue infections. For a simple mastitis, a treatment with antibiotics alone is usually sufficient, whereas drainage is necessary when an abscess is present. While ultrasound-assisted puncture and aspiration is the best approach for breast abscesses of less than 3 cm, surgery is recommended for more extended infection. Infections of breast implants have to be treated applying a mixed surgical-medical approach with removal of the implant (usually in one stage exchange) and antibiotics adapted to the microorganism identified.