Four implants and four removals. When should the surgeon stop?

Question

My beautiful daughter was diagnosed with breast cancer six years ago. She had a mastectomy, then an implant. The implant was removed because her tissue below the implant wouldn’t heal. She’s had four implants and four removals. The removal that’s pending now is happening because she’s been oozing from a hole in her upper tissue that refuses to heal and now she is leaking saline from the hole. She believes her body is rejecting the process. At what point should the surgeon send her elsewhere?

Ram Kalus, MD, FACS · Answer

Without a more detailed history and an examination in person it is difficult to comment specifically. Her story is certainly unfortunate and unusual, but sadly not unique.

The real question is if you feel confident that despite these complications your plastic surgeon is competent and compassionate. A second opinion can certainly be considered but her complicated surgical history on its own is not an indication that her care has been inadequate or suboptimal. Unfortunately complications such as hers can occur, but hers is definitely more than usual.

Discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon. If you have hesitation or concerns about the path she is on, a second opinion is warranted. It does seem that it might be wise to get her through this next healing phase with and abandon reconstruction efforts for at least six months and then reassess her options. Best of luck to you.

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