Oncologist vs. plastic surgeon for explanting?

Question

Hi there, I am getting an explant by an oncologist, not a plastic surgeon. Can you explain if there would be a difference in the way either of them would explant? And do you think its fine to get the explant with the Oncologist? SHe is the head consultant on the unit in the hospital. Thankyou very much

Gregory A. Buford, MD, FACS · Answer

I'm not really sure why you would have your implants removed by an oncologist.  This is really a procedure that should be performed by a Plastic Surgeon unless there is a concern of associated cancer.  To answer your question more effectively, it would help to know why you are going with a cancer-specialist.

Siamak Agha, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Breast explanation is an easy procedure if the implant is not ruptured, if there is no capsular contracture and if you do not want anything else done with your breasts. However most people do, and thus, it is better to go to a plastic surgeon who can not only do the explantation, deal with potential problems of implants, but also can plan the next procedure appropriately with you.

Steven Teitelbaum, MD · Answer

I just gave a lecture on explantation to the California Society of Plastic Surgeons meeting.  This is a topic that has seldom been talked about or written about.  If there is ample breast tissue and the skin is thick and tight and the implant isn't too big, the operation is very straightforward.But if the tissue is thinned, if there is any droopiness or unevenness, if the tissue is damaged or the skin thinned, then making the patient look right is more difficult.Some patients need to have a lift at the same time and deciding whether, when, and how to do the lift following an explant is extremely challenging.There are lots of subtleties in how to manage these, and tricks such as deflating saline implants, deciding whether a lift is necessary, etc.The decision as to what to do with the capsule surrounding the implant - leave it alone, remove part of it, or remove all of it - are complicated decision.  So too are the issues about whether to put in a drain, which incision to use to remove the implants, how to reposition breast tissue if it had been shifted with the earlier operation, whether and how to fix an indented scar, etc.  These sorts of things can only be made by a plastic surgeon - and one indeed experienced with these particular problems.So if you are sure you have an absolutely straightforward problem you could have the oncologist do it.  But here's my question: Why? Why not have an expert do it?  If you live in a remote area and there isn't a good plastic surgeon around then that may be a reasonable thing to do.

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

Why on Earth would you even consider having an Oncologist do this surgery?  This is an operation that the Plastic Surgeon is specifically trained to perform.  An Oncologist is a medical doctor and not even a surgeon!!!

George Bitar, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Removal of the implant is straight forward.  The judgement and experience to know how to handle the capsule as well as to guide you in making the right choice based on your exoected outcome is where the training and expertise of a Plastic Surgeon is valuable.

Oncologist vs. plastic surgeon for explanting?

Answers (8)

Answer: Not appropriate AT ALL for an oncologist to perform this surgery

Answer: Not appropriate AT ALL for an oncologist to perform this surgery

Answer: Explant

Answer: Explant

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.

Oncologist vs. plastic surgeon for explanting?

Answers (8)

Answer: Not appropriate AT ALL for an oncologist to perform this surgery

Answer: Not appropriate AT ALL for an oncologist to perform this surgery

Answer: Explant

Answer: Explant

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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.