Breast implant removal - is muscle repair necessary?

Question

Silicone implants placed under the muscle. I have visible deformity when I flex chest muscles and significantly decreased strength. To me, "muscle repair" during implant removal seems logical/necessary. But many surgeons tell me repairing the muscle is not needed or not possible? If the muscle was 'detached' or 'released' to make room for the implant, doesn't the muscle NEED to be reattached and space closed up to achieve normal strength, function and aesthetics with a lack of deformity?

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your excellent question.  If implants have been in for a long time the muscle that was cut and released has contracted to such a degree that it will no longer stretch or reach to where it was previously attached.  This makes repair impossible.  Most of your symptoms should be improved by the removal of the implant and surrounding full capsule - eliminating the animation deformity.  The pocket created by the implant will eventually heal and disappear as your tissues mature after the procedure.  As for function, there is redundancy as the vast majority of the muscle is left attached to the breast bone and collarbone at the time of surgery. Hope this helps.

William J. Hedden, MD · Answer

First thank you for your question. The problem you are having is the number one reason women will ask to switch their implants from below the muscle to the above the muscle position. If the muscle has not released and contracted too much then it is possible to repair it. We have performed this many times. It does require the patient  to minimize the uses of the pectoral muscles for a few weeks after surgery. But it is possible to repair the muscle it just depends on how far it has retracted.

Hilton Becker, MD · Answer

Animation deformity can be a  problem with sub- muscular implants
When implants are removed from the sub-muscular position, I routinely  remove the capsule from the underside of the muscle and re attach it to its original position

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

"Repairing" the muscle is usually not performed because the muscle has been divided from its insertion into the lower chest region and the muscle is usually very thin and there is often nothing to sew it to.

Richard Sadove, MD · Answer

Dear StarYou are not alone. Many who suffer the same problem from implants under the muscle are coming forward to have them removed from under the muscle. The either elect to put them on top at the same operation, remove them for a short period of time then replace later, or leave them out. I always place drains in the space under the muscle to "suck" the space closed during healing. Also, in most cases, I suture the free bottom edge of the muscle down to the chest wall. The patients do well and you can rightfully expect the same.Good luck

Breast implant removal - is muscle repair necessary?

Answers (5)

Answer: Implant removal and muscle

Answer: Implant removal and muscle

Answer: Muscle Repair after removal of implants under the muscle

Answer: Muscle Repair after removal of implants under the muscle

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

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Breast implant removal - is muscle repair necessary?

Answers (5)

Answer: Implant removal and muscle

Answer: Implant removal and muscle

Answer: Muscle Repair after removal of implants under the muscle

Answer: Muscle Repair after removal of implants under the muscle

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

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