Is Implant Removal a Good Option For Me After Reconstruction? I'm Not Happy.

Had unilat mx 2 years ago with 450cc submusc silicone implant with alloderm. No complications looks great. Have done nipple recon but no tattoo. Implant uncomfortable, feels tight. No capsular contracture. Pect muscle is always sore, ribs hurt, one year post procedure muscles in back/shoulder started to have severe spasms on same side. No signs of mets. I'm too aware of the implant (princess and the pea) and am curious if having it removed would help and what complications I might encounter.

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4 Doctor Answers | Asked by lokey in Chico, CA

Doctor Answers (4)
Community Comments (1)

Breast Implant Pain and Discomfort after Breast Reconstruction

Your question cannot really be ethically and accurately be answered without a thorough examination. Your symptoms may well be associated with a capsular contracture but only an examination would tell.

Breast reconstruction

Without an exam it is hard to say what is causing you pain. It could be a capsule formation that it tight. If you are a candidate for autologous tissue reconstruction( using your own tissue) you may want to consider it.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Breast Implant Removal May Not Be The Solution

Discuss your concerns with your oncologist and plastic surgeon. The oncologist can evaluate you for recurrent or metastatic cancer. The plastic surgeon can evaluate you for implant related problems. Physical therapy, chronic pain management or other treatments could be beneficial. Rather than deciding that breast implant removal is the only option, have an open mind in discussing your concerns with your doctors.

Breast reconstruction

I would recommend discussing the issue with your plastic surgeon. Discuss your options before you remove the implant

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Comments (1)

Karen Vincennes 8 Jan 2013

I am wondering what you decided. I too had mine done 2 yrs ago and have same problems in back/shoulder and ribs. Have pt 2x's wk; deep tissue massage to break up knots in back and shoulder 1x wk and acupuncture to relieve pain. I hate mine and am so tight. Haven't spoken to ps yet but just doing research to see if anyone else has wanted theirs out after breast cancer. I would definitely never do it had I known how uncomfortable and the knots I would develop.

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