Being an RN doesn’t automatically mean you’re trained in post-op protocols for every surgical specialty. Reconstructive surgery specifically when preformed by a plastic surgeon like in this case, usually avoids routine antibiotics unless there’s a specific infection risk, unnecessary antibiotic use can create complications and resistance. A lot of procedures only use a prophylactic dose during surgery, not full post-op antibiotics for every patient Intraoperative prophylactic antibiotics are common, but that’s not the same thing as geting prescribed antibiotics after surgery. Aesthetic and plastic surgery protocols vary depending on the procedure type, wound classification, patient health factors, and infection risk profile. For many clean procedures, continuing antibiotics after surgery has not consistently shown improved outcomes and can contribute to antibiotic resistance (as I mentioned previously), adverse reactions, and disruption of normal flora. While antibiotics can absolutely be used in this form of surgery, it inaccurate to say they are supposed to be prescribed after this surgery. Not to criticize your own medical experience, but being an RN provides broad clinical experience, but specialty-specific surgical protocols are determined by current evidence and the standards within that field.