Can the surgery of breast implants cause a spontaneous pneumothorax if you have a history of it?

Question

Hi, over 25 years ago I had spontaneous pneumothorax in both lungs and also had surgery to prevent it from happening again. I've had no problems since. Now, I am considering breast implants. My concern is, can the surgery and being put under or the weight of the implant on my chest cause my lungs to collapse? What are the possible complications? Thank you!

Steven Teitelbaum, MD · Answer

I'm surprised at the answers you are getting because though rare, pneumothorax is a recognized and well documented complication of breast augmentation.  But I do not know how a history such as yours impacts the risk of one occurring during a breast augmentation.I think your surgeon and/or your anesthesiologist should speak with a pulmonologist (preferably the one who treated you) so that they can determine your risk for this surgery. You need to find a plastic surgeon who demonstrates to you an understanding of the relationship of pneumothorax to augmentation, who is eager to speak to your other doctors, and who has the competence and experience to handle a pneumothorax during or after surgery, should one occur.In your case it may be important to do the surgery at a facility that has Xray services so at least you can be cleared before being sent home.However, those are decisions that can only be made by your treating physicians.The web reference below is to a paper about this topic:

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

If there is mechanical ventilation for the surgery, the positive pressure could predispose to another spontaneous pneumothorax.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

If you have had a spontaneous pneumothorax in the past, you are always at risk of one in the future.  I don't think the presence if implants, however, will make a difference one way or the other.

Stephen J. Ronan, MD, FACS · Answer

The implants certainly will not add risk.  Anesthesia poses a small risk.  Since you haven't had any problems for 25 years, I think you would be just fine.

Jonathan Kaplan, MD, MPH · Answer

If your lung has collapsed spontaneously (for no apparent reason) in the past, that's always a possibility in the future regardless of whether you have a breast augmentation. So there's good news and bad news. Bad news is that it could happen again, good news is that since the implants go on top of the chest, there's no reason breast augmentation would cause it. Best of luck and if you are looking for a plastic surgeon and their pricing in your area, click on the web reference link below.

Can the surgery of breast implants cause a spontaneous pneumothorax if you have a history of it?

Answers (6)

Answer: Can the surgery of breast implants cause a spontaneous pneumothorax if you have a history of it?

Answer: Can the surgery of breast implants cause a spontaneous pneumothorax if you have a history of it?

Answer: Lung collapse associated with breast augmentation?

Answer: Lung collapse associated with breast augmentation?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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Can the surgery of breast implants cause a spontaneous pneumothorax if you have a history of it?

Answers (6)

Answer: Can the surgery of breast implants cause a spontaneous pneumothorax if you have a history of it?

Answer: Can the surgery of breast implants cause a spontaneous pneumothorax if you have a history of it?

Answer: Lung collapse associated with breast augmentation?

Answer: Lung collapse associated with 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.