VNS implant and breast augmentation?

Hi ko1234,

I understand your concern. However, it is difficult to provide you with an accurate answer to your question with online consult. It is best that you visit a board certified plastic surgeon, so you can be properly assessed. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.

Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery

Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery

Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Thank you for sharing your question. A vagal nerve stimulator is placed just below the skin of the chest with an additional incision in the neck and would not complicate a breast augmentation procedure, which is performed underneath the breast tissue and muscle.  Hope this helps.

As long as the device is not in the breast/ chest wall area where the implants are placed then there really should be no issue.  I have done breast augmentations on patients with CSF shunts( that run down right by the inner aspect of their breast) and not had any issues.  As long as this is discussed in detail with a board certified plastic surgeon, then you should be fine.  You may have to travel a little outside your area to find a surgeon comfortable with your situation, but for those of us who do a lot of breast surgery, this is nothing concerning.  I hope this helps.

 Thank you for the question. Most patients with vagus nerve stimulating devices are able to undergo breast augmentation surgery.  Of course, much will depend on exactly where the device is implanted on your chest wall;  your selected plastic surgeon will be your best resource in this regard.  It will likely be a good idea for you to run your plans by your neurologist as well. Best wishes.