Can the implant cause pectoral muscle to tear from breastbone?

Question

I had saline implants 500cc put in 3/24/14. I noticed on my left side its like my pectoral muscle has separated from the breastbone I have a divot on that side next to the breastbone now and tender to touch which was not there before could this happen?? It seems like that implant drops further toward the armpit compared to the right side implant.

Peter J. Capizzi, MD · Answer

Size of an implant will be the driving force as to how much the pectoralis muscle will need if at all to be divided.  If the implant is a small implant (<400cc) then most often division of any muscle fibers is minimal.  As the implant size, volume, and diameter increases more muscle fibers will need to be divided to accommodate the device.  It sounds as if you may have some "window-shading" of the muscle and displacement of the implant.  You should discuss this with your surgeon as there are several options on how to deal with this if so desired.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

The implant is not the cause of the tear, though during augmentation it is necessary to separate the lower attachment of the chest muscle to create the pocket in a sub-muscular augmentation. It is not a surprise that you are tender to touch early after breast augmentation.

Lee E. Corbett, MD · Answer

Without a photo it is difficult to answer your question. But the pec muscle is cut most of the time to allow the implant to sit properly. I would recommend you return to your surgeon and let him or her examine you.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

The pectoralis muscle is usually detached from the sternum at its bottom portion to allow the implant to descend properly beneath the breast.Is divot is most likely caused by surgical disruption of the pectoralis muscle and not by a tear.These types of deformities can be satisfactorily treated with fat injection.

Can the implant cause pectoral muscle to tear from breastbone?

Answers (4)

Answer: Visible pectoralis muscle deformity after breast augmentation

Answer: Visible pectoralis muscle deformity after breast augmentation

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Can the implant cause pectoral muscle to tear from breastbone?

Answers (4)

Answer: Visible pectoralis muscle deformity after breast augmentation

Answer: Visible pectoralis muscle deformity after breast augmentation

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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