How to Avoid Breast Implant Extrusion? What are the factors that contribute?

Question

I didn't even know this was a possibility and now I'm soo scared!! What are the factors that contribute? How can it be avoided?

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

You really have nothing to worry about. Only an infection will create a situation where the implant would spontaneously extrude. This is extremely rare.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

In some rare situations (aside from irradiated breasts), the skin can thin out and there is very little tissue to support a large implant.  Changing to a smaller implant is an option, as is using Alloderm to add support

Rigo J. Mendoza, MD · Answer

The two biggest factors would be infection and big implants with thin tissue coverage.  The best way to avoid it is to follow your Plastic surgeon's advise regarding implant size.

Michael D. Cohen, MD · Answer

Breast implants extrude when the surrounding tissues fail to hold the implant in place causing it to become exposed. This is fairly uncommon, but when it occurs, it is usually along a breast lift incision or at the inframammary fold from breast augmentation. Breast implant extrusion is often related to wound healing problems created by infection, lack of blood supply, or trauma. Additional factors such as injections to the scar site, thin breast tissue, smoking, and diabetes can all lead to weakness of the incision. If extrusion occurs, the implant must be removed and replaced with a brand new one. This would otherwise lead to capsular contraction and distortion of the implant. A nice result can still be obtained through proper preventative and post-surgical care. All the best –Dr. Cohen

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Although breast implant extrusion is a risk of breast augmentation surgery, it is extremely rare;  much  less of a concern than other potential problems associated with breast implants. Risk factors include very little soft tissue coverage, use of a breast implant that “overwhelms” the overlying soft tissue coverage, infection  etc.

	 Generally, careful selection of plastic surgeon is your best bet;  careful attention to detail when it comes to dissection, closure, choice of implant, avoidance of infection etc. all play a role.

	 I hope this, and the attached link, helps.

Naveen Somia, MBBS, PhD, FRACS · Answer

Breast Implants extrude when the tissues that are meant to hold them fail to hold them. It is not a very common complication but can occur in the following scenarios.

	If the implant is so large that it over powers the tissues

	If you have an infection your risk is higher and if you have an underlying condition that affects the strenght of  your healing.

	If you chose a Plastic Surgeon who is good and go with the size that is right you can avoid extrusion.

	All the best

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

This is quite a rare problem. It is most likely in the setting of infection, and your surgeon will undoubtedly be taking measures to decrease that risk. 

	It can also occur when the limitations of the skin are stretched by overly large implants. 

	Overexertion beyond the surgeons advice is a third factor. 

	All these risks are manageable. All the best.

Gustavo E. Galante, MD · Answer

This is not a very common occurrence. However, the two factors that could contribute to this problem are technical and after surgery care. Closure of the wound should be done in several layers to protect the implant. In addition, strenuous activity, especially overhead movements should be limited for several weeks after surgery. Every surgeon has his or her own technique of closure and after care instructions which, in general, make this an uncommon problem.

Kevin Tehrani, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Tina,

Breast implant extrusion is an extremely rare phenomenon, I have not witnessed it in any cosmetic patient. If you are newly post op, avoiding extraneous activity counseled by your surgeon is best, otherwise unless there in an infection component, incisions reach 80% strength at 2 months.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Breast implant extrusion is not very common and is more likely to occur with infection or in very thin patients with very little soft tissue coverage. It is pretty rare.

How to Avoid Breast Implant Extrusion? What are the factors that contribute?

Answers (14)

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