What next after silicone implant feels displaced after mammogram?

Question

I've had my silicone breast implants for 4 1/2 years. I had a mammogram and since then my left breast feels displaced, has a feeling of air pockets and overall doesn't feel right. It's been 4 months now and still hasn't gone away or corrected himself.  I've seen my plastic surgeon who ordered an MRI. The MRI came back with no issues... no leakage.  What should be my next course of action? The uncomfortable feeling and air bubbles are not subsiding.

Janet Woodyard, MD · Answer

You need to see your plastic surgeon to discuss treatment options based on your exam. Your question can not be adequately answered in this forum.  Best of luck.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

I doubt they are air bubbles.  Where would the air come from?  And if there was air it would resort over time.  Surgery may be indicated  if the displacement is significant.  Check with  your surgeon or get other opinions.

Roger Tsai, MD · Answer

Great question!  If your plastic surgeon does not feel there is an issue, but yet you are still suffering, then it is best to get a second opinion from a different plastic surgeon.  Only with an in person examination can there be a good recommendation.  There are many in the area that deal with these types of issues.Best of luck and hope this information helps!
- Dr. Roger Tsai  @DrRogerTsai
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Steven Sigalove, MD FACS · Answer

If you had an MRI which conclusively showed no sign of leak or rupture, then the only remaining piece of the puzzle is to assess your pocket where the implant is sitting. If the implant is displaced, looks like its sitting differently, feels different, or migrates to the sides when you lie down, then likely you need to have a revision of your augmentation which would potentially entail pocket correction with implant exchange. Depending on the severity of the problem, the pocket could be corrected with thermal energy (popcorning technique) and/or use of mesh which is used to reinforce the pocket. Check with your board certified plastic surgeon for a complete and thorough examination to determine if surgical intervention is warranted.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I understand your concern. A second MRI needs to be done so that you can rule out any errors.  I recommend you make an appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon who can give you the best options. Do not wait any longer as your health concerns need to be addressed sooner than later.

Urmen Desai, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

I recommend an in-office examination as well as a detailed discussion with a surgeon who you are comfortable with.   Finally, make sure your surgeon is a Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS), a member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).Best,Dr. DesaiBeverly Hills Institute for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryHarvard Educated, Beverly Hills & Miami Beach TrainedDouble Board-Certified, Double Fellowship-Trained Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Andrea Marando, MD · Answer

Thank you for you question. I am sorry to hear that you have a few concerns after your recent mammogram. If the MRI is negative for rupture or any other implant related issue, it is then possible to assume that your pocket might have "stretched" allowing further movement of the implant. If this is the case, it should be possible to move the left breast implant more and in different ways compared to the right.  For instance, if you lay down, the left breast might move towards the arm more that the other side etc. The best advice is to look in the mirror to assess the symmetry of the breasts in different positions compared to the situation before the mammogram and see another surgeon, for a second opinion. If the problem is confirmed as an implant displacement due to widening of the size of the pocket, then the most appropriate solution might be a capsulorraphy (retightening of the capsule around the implant itself).I hope this helps.Best of luck.Andrea Marando

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

Sorry to hear about the issues after your mammogram.  Although it is rare to have issues after a mammogram, things can still happen.In order to determine what is going on, it would be best to see a board certified plastic surgeon to examine you.  You may need an MRI as well to see the condition of the implant and implant shell.Hope that helps.

Stuart A. Linder, MD, FACS · Answer

Seek in person consultations with breast revision specialists in your area to determine what may be clinically happening with the silicone implant. The pocket may be the problem rather than the implant

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

its time to see you surgeon for an exam and to determine if there are anything to be concerned about.

What next after silicone implant feels displaced after mammogram?

Answers (16)

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