Is breast augmentation with a pacemaker possible?

Question

I wanna get my breast done, but I have a pacemaker if they be later I wanna know if it’s possible I am 41 years old with three kids

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

It is generally safe to get a breast augmentation with a cardiac pacemaker, but it requires careful planning and discussion with your plastic surgeon in concert with your cardiologist. Pacemakers are placed just underneath the skin, and therefore your breast augmentation would likely be safest if it was placed in a sub pectoral position, so there is a muscle interposed between the pacemaker and the breast implant. Preoperative clearance from your cardiologist, proper pacemaker monitoring during and just after surgery to assure it proper functioning and postoperative follow up with your cardiologist to ensure that your pacemaker is working correctly would be very important.

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Breast augmentation may be possible for some patients with a pacemaker, but it should only be considered after careful cardiac clearance and surgical planning. The important details are why the pacemaker was placed, whether you depend on it continuously, where the device and leads sit on the chest, and whether the implant pocket or incision would be close to that area.

Your plastic surgeon should coordinate with your cardiologist or electrophysiologist and the anesthesia team before surgery. You may need a recent pacemaker check, written clearance, and a specific plan for monitoring and electrocautery during the operation. If the pacemaker is positioned high on the chest, implant placement or incision choice may need to be adjusted, so an in-person exam and cardiology clearance are essential before moving forward.

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

Your cardiologist would have the last say on this, but the breast augmentation would probably not be affected by this as long as the implant was placed under the muscle.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

A pacemaker is not an absolute contraindication to breast augmentation. However, it will require a measure of planning.

Patients will not only require cardiac clearance but also device monitoring throughout the case.

Surgically, the implant should be placed deep to the muscle so as to avoid disturbing the subcutaneous pacer location.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Caner Kacmaz, MD · Answer

Yes it is definitely possible as long as you get medical clearance from your cardiologist prior to moving forward with the surgery.  If you need to replace your pacemaker in the future, having an implant will not be an issue either. Best of luck to you.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

While it is possible, you should first discuss this with your primary care physician and cardiologist.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear serna470,

it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. You will need to get a clearance from your cardiologist. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

Surgery should be discussed and coordinated with your cardiologist. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

If you get a medical clearance from your cardiologist, then you should be able to have elective breast surgery.

Mauricio Castano, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question, having a breast augmentation with a pacemaker , doesn't contraindicate the procedure. A pre op evaluation with your cardiologist and an internal medicine physician is advised, so they can give a "green light" to the procedure, if everything is fine during the evaluation, the procedure can be done.

Is breast augmentation with a pacemaker possible?

Answers (11)

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