Removal of implant after mastectomy. Would this require hospitalization and drains, or could it be an outpatient procedure?

Question

Left breast cancer, mastectomy, chemo, radiation. 2 yrs later removed right breast (no cancer), silicone implants both sides. Soon cancer side developed severe infection requiring hospitalization, IV antibiotics and removal. Removal of OK side was not recommended due to possibility of infection spreading. I would like the remaining implant removed and just be flat. Would this require hospitalization and drains, or could it be a simple out patient procedure? Thank you

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Hello!  Thank you for your question.  It is certainly your decision if you wish to remove your other implant and terminate your reconstruction at this time. It is typically done as an outpatient surgical procedure. It is common to use a drain in order to remove the fluid which will accumulate in the potential space from the pocket where the implant was placed and promote adherence of your skin flaps down to your chest wall. Your decision is reasonable.  This will not preclude you from having reconstruction in the future if you so decide. In the meantime, prosthetic bras are always an option for you too. Best wishes!

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Sorry to hear about your issues after your reconstruction. Removal of the implant can be done as an outpatient. I would typically recommended drain with the removal the implant and the capsule. This is up to the discretion of your surgeon.

John J. Edney, MD · Answer

Removing an implant from a normal healthy breast and normally be done as an outpatient.  Whether or not you will need a drain will depend on the judgment of your surgeon.  If there is nothing wrong with the pocket and there is no fluid present it is very likely that you will not need a drain.

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

You could have the implant removed as a day case procedure. I would however get a second opinion before removing your reconstruction. It may be that another surgeon may be able to help you and if you remove the implant on the "good" side you may decrease your options available to have a bilateral reconstruction

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Usually an implant can be removed and be performed as an outpatient procedure so that you can go home the same day. Best to ask your surgeon.

Removal of implant after mastectomy. Would this require hospitalization and drains, or could it be an outpatient procedure?

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Removal of implant after mastectomy. Would this require hospitalization and drains, or could it be an outpatient procedure?

Answers (6)

Answer: Removal of implant

Answer: Removal of implant

Answer: Implant removal

Answer: Implant removal

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.