After having my implant removed I am experiencing extreme leakage. Is this normal?

Question

My left implant was removed about a week and a half ago (3 weeks after I initially got them) due to infection. There was only 10-15ml of infected fluid in the pocket, and I stopped leaking after a few days. However, two nights ago I somehow wokeup lying completely on my front and since have had what can be described as muscle ache in the area and a lot of leakage. The leakage isn't puss its sort of a dark yellow clear liquid but there is a lot more than before. Should I be concerned? Thanks

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

You should contact your surgeon for an evaluation.  Extreme leakage would not be expected after any implant removal procedure.  A small amount of leaking would not be concerning, but anything extreme should be assessed by your surgeon.

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

If you developed an early infection which required implant removal, it probably would have been wise to have drains after explant surgery.  You should be evaluated by the plastic surgeon.  That drainage is uncleared fluid from the infected implant.

Anne Taylor, MD · Answer

Hello. So sorry to hear about your problems.Leaking fluid after implant removal can be some seroma, or lymph fluid, that normally can build up in the old pocket. It is better that it comes out, and I would continue to provide snug wrapping to the breast to encourage the tissues to knit together.

Robert Sleightholm, MD · Answer

Further information would be helpful.  What symptoms and clinical signs of infection did you have at the time of the implant removal ? (fever, pain, red skin, drainage).  Was a culture taken to identify the bacteria and it's antibiotic sensitivity?  Are you on an antibiotic?   If there is no odour and the fluid is clear it is most likely a seroma rather than pus.  Seromas can resolve.  There resolution can be monitored clinically (gradual reduction in leakage) and by ultrasound.  Persistence  may require antibiotics (oral, IV, implant pocket) and / or a drain.  The implant should not be replaced for about 6 months.  It is currently believed that biofilms (bacterial contamination) in the capsule leads to capsular contractures.  When the implant is replaced the capsule should be excised.

Alan M. Engler, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

It sounds like you've had an accumulation of fluid within the cavity where the implant was and while it's not necessarily a cause for major concern - if the fluid is now out it is unlikely to become infected, though remaining fluid could - you absolutely need to contact your PS about this.  It may be that all, or enough, of the fluid that was in there has now come out, or there may be additional fluid.  You may need to have a drain inserted or, at its extreme, undergo another procedure to "wash out" the cavity and then, possibly, have a drain inserted.Either way, please contact your PS.I hope that this helps and good luck,Dr. Alan EnglerMember of RealSelf100

After having my implant removed I am experiencing extreme leakage. Is this normal?

Answers (5)