Edge of Implant Feels Like a Squishy Bump on Side of Breast

Question

At 3.5 mos. post-op I felt a small bump on the side of my breast near my armpit, @ the time my implant dropped. I saw my GYN for my annual appt.2 wks prior and it wasn't there. I immed. saw my PS and he said it was the edge of my implant and wasn't concerned. Why did this happen?

	Will the implant eventually slip out of the pocket? Will the bump ever go away? I can pop it in & out. Is there any harm in having it? I had a mammogram before my sx and it was clear. I have silicone under the muscle.

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

But it bothers you enough for you to keep "fiddling" with it, doesn't it? You implant pocket is well-healed (though not completely matured and softened) at 3 1/2 months post-op. With more time, this may settle, but it will definitely NOT do so if you keep "popping it in and out." Your implant pocket may have a small "tear" or hernia in the tissue layers here, and the bump is the implant protruding through that internal area of relative weakness.

	It is of absolutely no concern as this is a function of your implant being felt through this weakness or "bubble" in your capsule (much like a weak spot ballooning out in an inner tube). If you stop causing the implant to protrude partially through this area, it may well scar down and even out over time, which is what the body naturally does around a round implant. Even if it doesn't, this is not a breast mass, a tumor, or a problem.

	If it bugs you enough, your surgeon can close off that weak area with sutures, but of course that takes an operation. I'd leave it alone, stop "checking it," and worry not a bit! Good luck!

Jonathan Saunders, MD · Answer

It is hard to say without seeingb you. More than likely it is the edge of the implant. It is under the muscle, so when you contract the muscle you will feel more of the implant out to the side. This is normal. I assume you are quite slim. A heavy person does not feel it so much.

John P. Di Saia, MD · Answer

Hello,

	Generally being able to feel your implant toward the armpit is not uncommon seeing as there is less muscular coverage as you move toward the armpit. Have you plastic surgeon comment on the other larger issues, but they are not usually a problem with a well done operation in the right hands.

	 

	Best Regards,

	 

	John Di Saia MD

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Certainly in some positions most implants are palpable.  As you were concerned it was smart to have it  checked out by your surgeon.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

Even with submuscular coverage the side and the bottom of the implant is not covered by the muscle. Unless there is good tissue coverage it will be possible to feel the edges of the implant where the muscle does not hide it. Folding or ripples, though much less than with a saline implant, still do occur. The implant will not slip out of the pocket, and there is no harm in feeling the edge.

	Best of luck,

	peterejohnsonmd

Edge of Implant Feels Like a Squishy Bump on Side of Breast

Answers (5)