Breast Implants: Stories

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Capsulated Breast - Need Another Op to Remove Scar Tissue

poofy
updated 3 years ago

Not Sure
Cost: $11,000
Beverly Hills, CA

The pain has changed since surgery . The right...

19 Jan 2010

The pain has changed since surgery . The right breast is hard and has shooting pains in it. i cant fit into bras sports bras I look lop sided. It sucks i cant wear any cute clothes. I am tired all the time.

I recently had breast Implants put in October 2009. After surgery The surgery I had a bad reaction to antibiotics ( keflex). Started throwing up and then dry heaving for a 5 hour period. As a result of that I developed a hematoma under the right breast. Now 4 months later it has capsulated. My doctor plans to operate on the right breast remove scar tissue and put back the existing implant back in. Is that safe to put the old implant back in?

Great review?

My Doctor: name not provided

Bad bed side manner

Comments (5)

poofy 19 Jan 2010

Is putting the old implant back in safe? Is it more of a risk for infection?

never satisfied 27 Jan 2010

Please do not allow any surgeon to place the same implants back in your body.I am not a surgeon,but if I were,I would want to take every measure possible to keep the patient healthy.Safety and avoiding infection comes first.I am saying this because I believe my (PAST) surgeon thought I was stupid and clueless and was going to put my old silicone implants back in my body.I could be wrong, but from what I saw take place after the explant, thats what I think was going to happen.I thank my lucky stars that things didn't go that far.He is no longer my surgeon. Be safe and careful.I am speaking from experience. Take care

Richard Chaffoo, MD 19 Jan 2010

Dear Poofy, You are unfortunately among the small percentage of patients who develop capsular contracture after breast augmentation, the incidence of which is about 15-25% amongst large series of patients. Capsular contracture is higher following hematoma formation, and it is usually safe to use the patient's existing implant if there is no defect (which can be detected at the time of surgery) and the implant is within the warranty time period (which yours is). The treatment is to also remove the scarred capsule. Unfortuntately, recurrent capsular contracture is higher once you have developed it. Since we are uncertain as to the cause(s) of capsular contracture, the treatment recommended by your surgeon is the most appropriate. If recurrent contracture develops, some surgeons will insert a sheet of acellular dermis, like Strattice or Alloderm, amongst others, to reduce another capsular contracture from recurring. Good luck!

View answers from Richard Chaffoo, MD

poofy 20 Jan 2010

Dr Chaffoo, Is it safe ater the scar tissue is removed to put the old implant back in? Is that cause for infection?

Richard Chaffoo, MD 27 Jan 2010

It depends upon the age of the implant. If the implant shows no defect and is still under warranty, then it is safe to use the same implant. Of course, if a defect is noted with the implant at the time of surgery, it is prudent to replace the implant.No study has demonstrated a relationship between age of implant and capsular contracture. Best of luck, Richard Chaffoo,MD

View answers from Richard Chaffoo, MD