I have a 10 y.o. implant and now what seems to be a port is palpable/visible under my skin. I originally had a tissue expander, replaced after two months with a permanent saline implant. I didn't know this one had a port. My surgery records have been destroyed by my old surgeon's office. My new breast specialist isn't sure whether to do biopsy or not. Ultrasound and mammo show what looks like a port. If a port is showing up now--and causing some pain in the muscle--should the implant be replaced?
Answer: Tissue expander breast implant and long term port This is very puzzling. You are correct. All ports should be removed and are typically intended for short term use of 6 months or less. A simple x-ray or ultrasound should leave no question about the possibilty of a port. These are very obvious. If there is any question, I would have it removed (implant +port) and replaced. Seek a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon.
Helpful
Answer: Tissue expander breast implant and long term port This is very puzzling. You are correct. All ports should be removed and are typically intended for short term use of 6 months or less. A simple x-ray or ultrasound should leave no question about the possibilty of a port. These are very obvious. If there is any question, I would have it removed (implant +port) and replaced. Seek a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon.
Helpful
Answer: Implant palpability
Helpful
Answer: Implant palpability
Helpful
February 11, 2010
Answer: Breast implants and ports It sounds as if the valve from the saline implant, which we use to fill the implant during surgery, is what is showing through your skin. I don't see any indication to biopsy your breast for this -- it will probably just rupture the implant.
Helpful
February 11, 2010
Answer: Breast implants and ports It sounds as if the valve from the saline implant, which we use to fill the implant during surgery, is what is showing through your skin. I don't see any indication to biopsy your breast for this -- it will probably just rupture the implant.
Helpful
February 10, 2010
Answer: Breast implant port being felt It sounds to me like the port you are talking about is actually what we also call the valve on the saline implant itself. This was where the implant was filled, and can sometimes be felt under thin tissue. Some implants are filled with a remote port, under the skin nearby, usually to the side of the implant along your chest wall. That should be more obvious. Definitely see a plastic surgeon, because I have seen where an internist or even general surgeon will cause the patient anxiety by wanting to biopsy what is obviously (to a plastic surgeon) a fill port, or valve. You might also want to consider replacing your 10 year old implants. Silicone implants don't have fill ports, and usually make a nicer reconstructed result.
Helpful
February 10, 2010
Answer: Breast implant port being felt It sounds to me like the port you are talking about is actually what we also call the valve on the saline implant itself. This was where the implant was filled, and can sometimes be felt under thin tissue. Some implants are filled with a remote port, under the skin nearby, usually to the side of the implant along your chest wall. That should be more obvious. Definitely see a plastic surgeon, because I have seen where an internist or even general surgeon will cause the patient anxiety by wanting to biopsy what is obviously (to a plastic surgeon) a fill port, or valve. You might also want to consider replacing your 10 year old implants. Silicone implants don't have fill ports, and usually make a nicer reconstructed result.
Helpful
February 10, 2010
Answer: Palpable port from a breast implant What you probably have is thinning of the tissues and may be feeling the valve of a saline implant under the skin. You should see a plastic surgeon to be sure that is what it is and consider changing to gel which doesn't have valves.
Helpful
February 10, 2010
Answer: Palpable port from a breast implant What you probably have is thinning of the tissues and may be feeling the valve of a saline implant under the skin. You should see a plastic surgeon to be sure that is what it is and consider changing to gel which doesn't have valves.
Helpful
