Single Versus Extended-dose Antibiotic Prophylaxis Regimens in Reduction Mammaplasty: A Systematic Review and...

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Infectious Disease
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Extended postoperative antibiotic use is common in reduction mammaplasty despite limited evidence.
• Current practices vary, impacting antimicrobial stewardship, costs, and patient safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare single-dose preoperative versus extended postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis in reduction mammaplasty.
• To evaluate the impact on surgical site infection (SSI) and postoperative morbidity.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and observational studies.
• Searched multiple databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, etc.) up to December 2025.
• Included studies comparing antibiotic regimens in adult females undergoing reduction mammaplasty.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in SSI rates between single-dose and extended-dose antibiotic groups (OR = 0.66; p = 0.36).
• No significant differences observed in operative time, wound dehiscence, or delayed wound healing.
• Analysis included 6 studies with over 5,000 patients.

Conclusions:

• Single-dose preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis is equivalent to extended postoperative courses for preventing complications in reduction mammaplasty.
• Findings support antimicrobial stewardship and inform standardized prophylaxis protocols.
• Evidence suggests a shift away from routine extended antibiotic use post-surgery.