Saline breast implants - Palpable nodule on breast normal 9 weeks post-op?

I'm 9 weeks post-op after my saline breast implants. I noticed a nodule like projection on the lower pole of one breast which felt exactly like pressing on the resilient scalloped edges of sides of the implant shell, as early as 2 weeks post-op.

My PS told me my skin was much thinner along this area. When I wear a sheer bra, this lump is noticeable and palpable. When touched, it's extremely weird like touching a breast with 'cysts' except that these lumps can be pressed and bounce back.

Is this a common occurence? Is it normal to have palpable linear nodule-like projection arising from the rippling effects of saline implants? Will it get worse? If yes, what are remedial options?

Saline breast implants - Palpable nodule on breast normal 9 weeks post-op?

4 answers to “Saline breast implants - Palpable...”

A: This is not common, but....

By John P. Di Saia, MD - Orange County Plastic Surgeon

Hello, Feeling saline implants is more common in thinner patients and those who have them placed "over the muscle." Options include changing to silicone gel implants and/or placing the implants in the "under the muscle" position. You could also remove them. The good news is that this... more

A: While all patients with saline implants can feel the...

By Richard P. Rand, MD - Seattle Plastic Surgeon

While all patients with saline implants can feel the implant edges in the lower and outer poles of the breast if they try, what you are describing I would say isn't "normal." Preferrably, your implants were placed submuscular for more tissue cover of the saline. Sometimes patients will be... more

A: Leeza, Unfortunately this is not an uncommon occurence...

By Shahram Salemy, MD - Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Leeza, Unfortunately this is not an uncommon occurence when saline implants are used for breast augmentation in very thin women with very little overlying breast tissue or fat. In most cases, as long as it is not painful or is not visible, it is tolerated by the patient. But there are a few options... more

A: If there is not enough soft tissue cover over the...

By Robin T.W. Yuan, MD - Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

If there is not enough soft tissue cover over the implant, you may be able to palpate folds or knuckles of the implant's bag. Sometimes these are also visible. If an implant is unfilled, your surgeon may be able to add more saline although this may not solve the problem completely. Down-sizing is another... more

Comments

katherine lynn
2 posts
15 Mar 2009

i have had my saline implants for almost two weeks now. is it easy for the doc to add more saline to them? they are not the size i thought they were and once seems to be bigger than the other

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