What to do - wait for the incision to close or remove and replace the implant? (Photo)

Question

I had a breast implant exchange November 27 and began having issues with one of the incisions on December 28. I have been following up with my surgeon, but today he said I have two options. We can wait to see if the incision closes or remove the implant, heal for three months and then place the implant again. He doesn’t seem to have a strong preference and I am not sure what the best route is. Any suggestion is appreciated.

Joshua T Halka, MD · Answer

Hello,
This is a tough situation because that much wound breakdown could be from bacteria being in the pocket or on the implant, even if there isn't any, and the wound broke down because of some other reason, the implant could still get infected. If you are otherwise healthy and your incision looks like this roughly 6 weeks after having an implant exchange, it is quite possible that the implant is infected and needs to come out. 
If at this point it seems to be healing well, there isn't any redness or thickening of the skin in the area, and you feel fine, meaning you aren't having much pain in the area, and you aren't having fevers an chills, then you could try to leave it in place and hope everything heals over. If you have any of those issues at this point, being quite far out from a normal implant exchange, then you should remove the implants and put new ones in once things are healed down the road.
I'm sorry you're going through this, I hope this gets resolved quickly for you!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear RebelSpirit,
I understand your concern. In case your implants are exposed, then they should be removed due to risk of infection. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

If there is a lot of inflammation or drainage from the incisions your implants may need to be removed. From the looks of your incisions I would ride it out for another month. If the implants are eco used to the outside through the incision, which is hard to tell, the implants would need to be removed and then try replacing them in three months

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Just from your photos, it appears that your implant is exposed and the incisions will not heal on their own. Your implant needs to be removed now and give your tissue time to heal before inserting another implant. Do this now before an infection begins. You may need to also go smaller and have and internal bra of mesh.  If the implant is not actually exposed, then you can do wound care and let the areas heal. An examination will tell if the implant is actually exposed.  Please follow closely with your surgeon.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

You may have an exposed implant, and this may be why your incision isn’t closing.
Either continue working with your provider and get guidance from him or her or get an in person second opinion consultation.
What I would do doesn’t really matter since I’m not taking care of your Situation.
I would probably take you back to surgery, clean the wounds and confirm if the implant is exposed or not.
If the implant is exposed, it probably needs to be removed in order for you to heal.
Removing the implant and re-augmenting will create scar tissue, and shrink the capsule which made distort the breast after re augmenting in the future. 
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

What to do - wait for the incision to close or remove and replace the implant? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Incisions

Answer: Incisions

Answer: Failure of incision to close

Answer: Failure of incision to close

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

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What to do - wait for the incision to close or remove and replace the implant? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Incisions

Answer: Incisions

Answer: Failure of incision to close

Answer: Failure of incision to close

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.