Should an Old Breast Implant Start to Show Its Port Under Skin/muscle?

asked 2 years ago by rose30 in Cambridge, MA
Latest answer by Steven Wallach, MD
Question viewed 346 times
Tags: breasts

I have a 10 y.o. implant and now what seems to be a port is palpable/visible under my skin. I originally had a tissue expander, replaced after two months with a permanent saline implant. I didn't know this one had a port.

My surgery records have been destroyed by my old surgeon's office. My new breast specialist isn't sure whether to do biopsy or not. Ultrasound and mammo show what looks like a port. If a port is showing up now--and causing some pain in the muscle--should the implant be replaced?

5 answers to Should an Old Breast Implant Start to Show Its Port Under Skin/muscle?

Implant palpability

It sounds like you had breast reconstruction, and if so, your tissues are thinner than most people. Palpability of the port is possible in thin patients.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Breast implants and ports

It sounds as if the valve from the saline implant, which we use to fill the implant during surgery, is what is showing through your skin. I don't see any indication to biopsy your breast for this -- it will probably just rupture the implant. It sounds as if you need to have the implant replaced. There are a number of excellent plastic surgeons in your area who could evaluate you for this. I recommend Dr. Adam Tobias in Brookline who has extensive experience with breast reconstruction... more

Nina S. Naidu, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Breast implant port being felt

It sounds to me like the port you are talking about is actually what we also call the valve on the saline implant itself. This was where the implant was filled, and can sometimes be felt under thin tissue. Some implants are filled with a remote port, under the skin nearby, usually to the side of the implant along your chest wall. That should be more obvious. Definitely see a plastic surgeon, because I have seen where an internist or even general surgeon will cause the patient anxiety by... more

Douglas J. Mackenzie, MD
Santa Barbara Plastic Surgeon

www.pacificplasticsurgery.com

Palpable port from a breast implant

What you probably have is thinning of the tissues and may be feeling the valve of a saline implant under the skin. You should see a plastic surgeon to be sure that is what it is and consider changing to gel which doesn't have valves.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Tissue expander breast implant and long term port

This is very puzzling. You are correct. All ports should be removed and are typically intended for short term use of 6 months or less. A simple x-ray or ultrasound should leave no question about the possibilty of a port. These are very obvious. If there is any question, I would have it removed (implant +port) and replaced. Seek a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

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