I have a pacemaker and have had it since 1999. Can I get breast implants? (Photo)

I would first discuss this with your cardiologist.  Secondly, I recommend having your surgery performed in a hospital setting (not an outpatient surgicenter).  The implant selection should be based on a combination of your desired size, soft tissue dynamics, breast base diameter and skin elasticity.  I recommend an in-office examination as well as a detailed discussion with a surgeon who you are comfortable with.   Finally, make sure your surgeon is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS).
Best,Dr. DesaiBeverly Hills Institute for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryHarvard Educated, Beverly Hills & Miami Beach TrainedDouble Board-Certified, Double Fellowship-Trained Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

The presence of a pacemaker does not prevent you from having a cosmetic procedure. You should get clearance from your cardiologist for the procedure and a magnet may have to be used to disable the pacemaker during the procedure, but this depends on what cardiac condition that you have and the specific type of pacemaker that you have.Good luck

Hi Darlia, Pacemakers are not incompatible with breast implants. As in all things, details matter. Pacemakers come in different varieties that are designed for different heart rhythm problems. There are basically two parts, the leads which attach to the heart itself and the generator which has the logic circuits and battery. We rarely need to address the leads.The generator often sits right where we place breast implants. This can cause two problems. The shape of the generator can alter the esthetic result of the augmentation. More importantly, electric energy (which we often use to control bleeding) can mess up the generator and effect the function of your heart. The first issue can be corrected by moving the generator to a different location, such as your lower abdomen. That has to be done with the assistance of your interventional cardiologist. All it takes is a longer lead extension and a little creativity. It is a hassle but if you need to replace the generator, a site re-position can be considered. If that's not too important to you, the augmentation can be performed with the generator in place. All generators have a default mode that can be turned on with a sterile magnet. As long as we prevent damaging the function of the pacemaker, it should not be a problem. It goes without saying that you need the approval of your cardiologist, not to agree with augmentation, but that you are a safe candidate for the surgery. 

Dear Darlia,  Once your cardiologist has cleared you for elective surgery and you've been evaluated in person by an experienced board certified plastic surgeon you should be able to have a breast enlargement. Good luck. Dr. Gervais.

Dear Darlia,
pacemaker is not a contraindication for a surgery but you will need to get a clearance from your cardiologist. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to 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

Hello and thank you for the questions. With proper clearance from your cardiologist, there is no reason why you cannot have a BBA. Seek a Board certified plastic surgeon in your area. Request before and after photos of their work and ask any questions you may have. Best of luck on your journey.

Hello and thank you for your question.  The best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  As long as you can obtain clearance from your cardiologist, then you could safely proceed forward with surgery.  This decision should be based on a detailed discussion with equal input from both you and your surgeon.   Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.  

Best wishes and good luck.


Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS

Harvard-trained plastic surgeon
 

We have done patients with pacemakers. There are a few considerations. It may affect the recommended type and size of the implant. Placement of the implant whether  subfascial or submuscular may be affected depending on how they located the pacemaker.Sometimes we have used the pacemaker volume and location in determining the implant size to camouflage the pacemaker. It is helpful to bring with you a copy of the pacemaker physician procedure or operative report.If you are on a blood thinner, you will have to go off of the blood thinner for the surgery. A cardiology clearance is usually required by anesthesia.

A pacemaker does not preclude you from undergoing breast implant surgery. Provided you have clearance from your cardiologist and assuming it is an on demand pacemaker, it would need to be deactivated the morning of surgery by the manufacturer rep....and then turned back on in the recovery room. If the pacemaker is in the upper pole the left breast the profile of the pacemaker will become a bit more obvious due to the push of the implant beneath it.

Thanks for your question.  You certainly will need clearance from your cardiologist but having a pacemaker does not necessarily preclude you from having a breast augmentation.  Certain precautions will need to be taken during surgery to prevent damage to your pacemaker.  Otherwise I expect that you should do quite well.  Your plastic surgeon should be able to have a detailed discussion with you regarding your risks and ultimate outcome.  Good luck!