Implant falling out - what can I do? (Photo)

Question

I have undergone a breast augmentation, which is now almost falling out of my body on one side. Mommy scar has expanded to about half an inch of thin skin with a blue and white coloring and you can see the implant through my skin. I don’t know where to begin or what to do. My doctor has dismissed my concerns saying it isn’t his fault when I’ve been having issues with that side the whole time. From him pulling a stitch which made it leak about 3 weeks post op.

William J. Hedden, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I have seen this before with several patients from other physicians. Typically those patients had either 1)a capsular contracture which was forming and pushing the implant towards the weakest spot, which is the incision. 2)The other cases have been where the implants were below the muscle but the inferior attachments of the pectoral muscle had either been released because of a biplaner or dual plane technique or they had released on their own with time. When this is the case the support for the implant is no longer present and any excess use of the pectoral muscles with push the implant down and out eventually thinning the tissue with eventual erosion through the skin. When you can see the breast implant through the skin which is identified by the blue coloring it’s only a matter of time before that implant will road through the skin and you’ll have to have your implants taken out for a period of 6 months or more before re attempting to put them back. The problem with waiting for this to happen is that it will happen and then the result will be very difficult to get them to look normal again. You’re at a point now where the best course of action would be surgery to release any capsule that may be present pushing the implant towards the incision if that is the cause Or if the capsule is normal then consider switching the implants to above the muscle so you take away the force pushing it downward. Simply repairing the area or incision is not enough otherwise it will come right back. This needs to be performed sooner than later. Otherwise the complications will eventually happen and you will never be able to have a great result.

Tommaso Addona, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.
Without further evaluation, it is difficult to say what may be happening. From your photo, it appears that you have an area of skin thinning which can lead to further complications down the line. I recommend meeting with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options and for a full examination.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Although I se your area of concern I would need to see it in overdone to assess the issue. Also you don’t indicate when your surgery was although it looks quite recent. You should keep a close eye on it and consider getting another opinion from a surgeon in your area I agree with Dr. Eberbach that exposure of the implant is the primary concern. If that happens the implant would need to be removed.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Giving6315,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It appears from your photo that you are very close to the implant being exposed.  At that point removal of the implant would be recommended.  If you do not feel you are on the same page with your surgeon I encourage you to visit with another board certified plastic surgeon near you for an evaluation.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Hard to tell from only 1 posted photo what exactly going on? Best to virtual consu;t with... But might need revision surgery to the incision.

Mark Eberbach, MD · Answer

Sorry to see this problem with you.

You have a nearly exposed implant. There can be several causes and fault assignments don't help the situation. In your case with the stitch problem, it is probably an infection.

Unfortunately you will likely lose the implant on that side requiring removal and delayed replacement. Sometimes it can be salvaged but the odds are not good.

See your doctor asap.  this is time sensitive.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

From the photograph, it looks like it isn’t a long time until your implant actually causes the skin to open up and then the implant will be exposed to the outside world. Technically at that point it is infected and most surgeons would recommend removing it and starting over a few months later. Occasionally people will try to wash out the pocket and replace the implant but that is a iffy prospect and may fail. Either way if you’re not satisfied with what your doctor is telling you you should see somebody else. Don’t expect the second doctor to cover this without some costs however.

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