I am 4 years post op with under the muscle implants (tear drop), I have had no issues at all however I have recently felt what feels like a lump but since realised it’s the edge of my implant on my right breast. It’s right towards the scar at the bottom and I can almost push it in and out like a small air bubble that pops back and forth. Is this normal? I haven’t lost a dramatic amount of weight and never noticed this before. No pain, redness and looks the same from the outside still.
Answer: Need to make sure it is the implant It can be the edge of the implant, or it can be a new mass in your breast. Ideally, you should go to your plastic surgeon that placed the implant and ask for a follow up for them to examine you. If that is not possible, then I recommend you follow up with a board certified plastic surgeon who does a lot of breasts who will be able to examine you and get an ultrasound or CT scan if necessary to answer your question.
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Answer: Need to make sure it is the implant It can be the edge of the implant, or it can be a new mass in your breast. Ideally, you should go to your plastic surgeon that placed the implant and ask for a follow up for them to examine you. If that is not possible, then I recommend you follow up with a board certified plastic surgeon who does a lot of breasts who will be able to examine you and get an ultrasound or CT scan if necessary to answer your question.
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August 1, 2022
Answer: Implant Yes, this feeling is normal, especially with saline implants, but can happen with gels. Your tissue has thinned with time and the lower edge can be felt more easily. This is usually not a problem unless your implants are too large and heavy for your tissue.
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August 1, 2022
Answer: Implant Yes, this feeling is normal, especially with saline implants, but can happen with gels. Your tissue has thinned with time and the lower edge can be felt more easily. This is usually not a problem unless your implants are too large and heavy for your tissue.
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July 30, 2022
Answer: Implant shell palpability What you describe is common which is the implant shell that could be folding on itself with time. The upper part of the breast implant is typically covered by the pectoral muscle and upper pole breast tissue compared to the lower pole where the implant which is mostly covered with breast tissue or nearby chest skin that is now part of the breast. The tissue is thinner here which can also thin even more with time making the implant more palpable. This is especially true near the old breast fold (inframammary crease) and the new fold created with an implant larger than the breast mound is placed. The capsule (scar tissue surrounding the implant) can tighten and deform the implant, folding and creating a crease and can create a buckle or "point" that can be pushed in and out as you have described. This can be demonstrated with a sample implant in the office. It is common in the lower pole and on the outside of the implant to feel the implant more. The contracture can worsen creating a firmer less mobile implant which can cause asymmetry and discomfort. A slowly leaking implant will loose volume and the shell can fold with time and the breast size will get smaller. Any "lump" should be evaluated by a physician as well as the the status of the implant to determine recommendations for further examinations.
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July 30, 2022
Answer: Implant shell palpability What you describe is common which is the implant shell that could be folding on itself with time. The upper part of the breast implant is typically covered by the pectoral muscle and upper pole breast tissue compared to the lower pole where the implant which is mostly covered with breast tissue or nearby chest skin that is now part of the breast. The tissue is thinner here which can also thin even more with time making the implant more palpable. This is especially true near the old breast fold (inframammary crease) and the new fold created with an implant larger than the breast mound is placed. The capsule (scar tissue surrounding the implant) can tighten and deform the implant, folding and creating a crease and can create a buckle or "point" that can be pushed in and out as you have described. This can be demonstrated with a sample implant in the office. It is common in the lower pole and on the outside of the implant to feel the implant more. The contracture can worsen creating a firmer less mobile implant which can cause asymmetry and discomfort. A slowly leaking implant will loose volume and the shell can fold with time and the breast size will get smaller. Any "lump" should be evaluated by a physician as well as the the status of the implant to determine recommendations for further examinations.
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July 29, 2022
Answer: See your surgeon for an assessment If this is something that you’ve recently noticed, then you should definitely see your surgeon for an assessment. It may not be an issue or your implant may have moved - either way, it’s best if your surgeon examine you.
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July 29, 2022
Answer: See your surgeon for an assessment If this is something that you’ve recently noticed, then you should definitely see your surgeon for an assessment. It may not be an issue or your implant may have moved - either way, it’s best if your surgeon examine you.
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July 29, 2022
Answer: Breast implant What you are feeling is likely normal characteristics of the implant. It is always best to have any changes evaluated. I encourage you to follow up with your surgeon.
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July 29, 2022
Answer: Breast implant What you are feeling is likely normal characteristics of the implant. It is always best to have any changes evaluated. I encourage you to follow up with your surgeon.
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