{"id":580,"date":"2026-08-20T17:08:10","date_gmt":"2026-08-20T15:08:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/4beauty-website-stage.247grad.de\/?post_type=glossary&#038;p=580"},"modified":"2026-08-20T17:18:36","modified_gmt":"2026-08-20T15:18:36","slug":"antibiotic","status":"publish","type":"glossary","link":"https:\/\/4beauty-website-stage.247grad.de\/en\/glossar\/antibiotikum\/","title":{"rendered":"antibiotic"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Antibiotics<\/strong> are among the most important discoveries in modern medicine. In the context of surgical procedures, including cosmetic surgery, they play a crucial role in patient safety, even in the absence of infection. In most cases, they are used here not for treatment but for prevention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This article explains, in a clear and concise manner, what antibiotics are, how they work and why they are an essential part of many surgical procedures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h2>Table of Contents<\/h2><nav><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#was-ist-ein-antibiotikum\">What is an antibiotic?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#die-entscheidende-anwendung-bei-operationen-die-antibiotikaprophylaxe\">The key application in surgery: antibiotic prophylaxis<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#korrekte-einnahme-und-die-gefahr-von-resistenzen\">Correct use and the risk of resistance<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#risiken-und-nebenwirkungen-von-antibiotika\">Risks and side effects of antibiotics<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#haufig-gestellte-fragen-faq-zu-antibiotika-bei-operationen\">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about antibiotics during surgery<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-boxed has-white-warm-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Important note<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This article is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for a medical diagnosis or advice. If you are unsure, or if you require a personalised treatment plan, it is essential that you consult a qualified specialist.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"533\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/4beauty-website-stage.247grad.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2025-10_Antibiotikum.png\" alt=\"Administer an antibiotic\" class=\"wp-image-323 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/4beauty-website-stage.247grad.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2025-10_Antibiotikum.png 533w, https:\/\/4beauty-website-stage.247grad.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2025-10_Antibiotikum-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/4beauty-website-stage.247grad.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2025-10_Antibiotikum-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/4beauty-website-stage.247grad.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2025-10_Antibiotikum-12x12.png 12w, https:\/\/4beauty-website-stage.247grad.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2025-10_Antibiotikum-120x120.png 120w, https:\/\/4beauty-website-stage.247grad.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2025-10_Antibiotikum-40x40.png 40w, https:\/\/4beauty-website-stage.247grad.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2025-10_Antibiotikum-80x80.png 80w, https:\/\/4beauty-website-stage.247grad.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2025-10_Antibiotikum-160x160.png 160w, https:\/\/4beauty-website-stage.247grad.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2025-10_Antibiotikum-500x500.png 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 533px) 100vw, 533px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"was-ist-ein-antibiotikum\">What is an antibiotic?<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An antibiotic is a medicine that specifically targets <strong>Bacteria <\/strong> It acts by either killing bacteria (bactericidal effect) or inhibiting their growth (bacteriostatic effect), thereby enabling the body\u2019s own immune system to fight off the infection.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Please note: Antibiotics are effective against bacteria, but not against viruses, fungi or parasites.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/4beauty-website-stage.247grad.de\/en\/service-information\/contact\/\">Contact us for a no-obligation enquiry<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-boxed has-anchor-light-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"die-entscheidende-anwendung-bei-operationen-die-antibiotikaprophylaxe\">The key application in surgery: antibiotic prophylaxis<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you are given an antibiotic as part of cosmetic surgery, this is usually not because you are ill, but as a preventative measure. This procedure is known as <strong>perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis (PAP)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Objective: <\/strong>The aim is to prevent a post-operative wound infection. During any surgical procedure, the skin\u2019s natural protective barrier is compromised. This allows bacteria from the skin\u2019s surface or from the surrounding environment to enter the wound.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Date: <\/strong>Prophylaxis is most effective when there is already a sufficient concentration of the antibiotic in the tissue at the time of the skin incision. For this reason, the antibiotic is usually administered intravenously as a single dose approximately 30 to 60 minutes before the start of the operation.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Duration: <\/strong>For most routine procedures in cosmetic surgery, this single dose is sufficient. Only in the case of certain high-risk procedures or specific patient groups is a longer course of antibiotics recommended, as an exception.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis is now an established standard for many surgical procedures, particularly those with an increased risk of infection.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"korrekte-einnahme-und-die-gefahr-von-resistenzen\">Correct use and the risk of resistance<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Antibiotic resistance<\/strong> means that bacteria become resistant to the effects of an antibiotic. This is one of the greatest global health threats. The responsible and targeted use of antibiotics \u2013 that is, only when they are truly necessary \u2013 is crucial to preserving the effectiveness of these vital medicines for the future.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/4beauty-website-stage.247grad.de\/en\/service-information\/contact\/\">Contact us for a no-obligation enquiry<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"786\" height=\"786\" src=\"https:\/\/4beauty-website-stage.247grad.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2025-10_Antibiotikum_Anwendung.png\" alt=\"Antibiotics: Correct use\" class=\"wp-image-324 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/4beauty-website-stage.247grad.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2025-10_Antibiotikum_Anwendung.png 786w, https:\/\/4beauty-website-stage.247grad.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2025-10_Antibiotikum_Anwendung-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/4beauty-website-stage.247grad.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2025-10_Antibiotikum_Anwendung-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/4beauty-website-stage.247grad.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2025-10_Antibiotikum_Anwendung-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/4beauty-website-stage.247grad.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2025-10_Antibiotikum_Anwendung-12x12.png 12w, https:\/\/4beauty-website-stage.247grad.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2025-10_Antibiotikum_Anwendung-120x120.png 120w, https:\/\/4beauty-website-stage.247grad.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2025-10_Antibiotikum_Anwendung-40x40.png 40w, https:\/\/4beauty-website-stage.247grad.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2025-10_Antibiotikum_Anwendung-80x80.png 80w, https:\/\/4beauty-website-stage.247grad.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2025-10_Antibiotikum_Anwendung-160x160.png 160w, https:\/\/4beauty-website-stage.247grad.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2025-10_Antibiotikum_Anwendung-500x500.png 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 786px) 100vw, 786px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"risiken-und-nebenwirkungen-von-antibiotika\">Risks and side effects of antibiotics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although antibiotics are generally well tolerated, side effects may occur. The most common are gastrointestinal symptoms, as the medicines can also affect the beneficial bacteria in the gut flora. Allergic reactions are also possible. Please inform your doctor of any known allergies before the operation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The administration of an antibiotic forms part of the comprehensive safety protocol for surgery. Nevertheless, complications such as wound infections can never be 100 % ruled out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One <a href=\"https:\/\/4beauty-website-stage.247grad.de\/en\/after-care-insurance\/\"><strong> Consequential Costs Insurance<\/strong><\/a> is designed to provide cover against the financial consequences of complications arising from cosmetic surgery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/4beauty-website-stage.247grad.de\/en\/service-information\/contact\/\">Contact us for a no-obligation enquiry<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"haufig-gestellte-fragen-faq-zu-antibiotika-bei-operationen\">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about antibiotics during surgery<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;autoclose&quot;: false, &quot;accordionItems&quot;: [] }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/accordion\" role=\"group\" class=\"wp-block-accordion is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-is-layout-flow\">\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-1&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-1-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" id=\"accordion-item-1\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">Why am I being given an antibiotic when I\u2019m not even ill?<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-1\" data-wp-bind--hidden=\"state.isHidden\" data-wp-on--beforematch=\"actions.handleBeforeMatch\" id=\"accordion-item-1-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You are being given this as a preventative measure. It is intended to prevent, from the outset, any wound infection caused by bacteria that might enter the wound during the operation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-2&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-2-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" id=\"accordion-item-2\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">Is the antibiotic also effective against flu or colds?<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-2\" data-wp-bind--hidden=\"state.isHidden\" data-wp-on--beforematch=\"actions.handleBeforeMatch\" id=\"accordion-item-2-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. The flu and most colds are caused by viruses. Antibiotics are completely ineffective against viruses.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-3&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-3-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" id=\"accordion-item-3\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">Do I really have to finish the course of antibiotics?<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-3\" data-wp-bind--hidden=\"state.isHidden\" data-wp-on--beforematch=\"actions.handleBeforeMatch\" id=\"accordion-item-3-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, definitely. If you stop taking the medication before the course is complete, the most resilient bacteria may survive and develop resistance, which will make future treatments more difficult.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-4&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-4-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" id=\"accordion-item-4\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">Can I drink alcohol whilst taking this medicine?<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-4\" data-wp-bind--hidden=\"state.isHidden\" data-wp-on--beforematch=\"actions.handleBeforeMatch\" id=\"accordion-item-4-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is generally not recommended. Alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of some antibiotics or increase their side effects (e.g. on the stomach). If in doubt, ask your doctor or pharmacist.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Antibiotics are usually used during operations, including cosmetic procedures, not to treat infections but to prevent them.<\/p>","protected":false},"template":"","class_list":["post-580","glossary","type-glossary","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/4beauty-website-stage.247grad.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossary\/580","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/4beauty-website-stage.247grad.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossary"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/4beauty-website-stage.247grad.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/glossary"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/4beauty-website-stage.247grad.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=580"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}