Can pectoral muscle be repaired years after explant?

Question

I had my submuscular implants removed 7 years ago. I recently began a regular weight class about 10 months ago. Im experiencing pain in my pec muscle under my breast fold and terrible back pain. After getting in touch with explant surgeon, I discovered she did NOT repair my muscles after explant. I am concerned this is why i have so much back pain. Can these muscles be repaired at this stage, 7 years later? If so, would a plastic surgeon be who I contact or would an oethopedic suegeon do this?

Shaher W. Khan, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. I have provided and attached a detailed video responding to your question, specifically. It sounds like you're dealing with some significant issues, and I'm sorry to hear you're in pain. Since the issue involves the muscles that were affected by breast implants, a plastic surgeon with experience in breast surgery and explant procedures would be a good starting point. If your symptoms are primarily related to back pain and could be due to compensatory issues or structural problems, an orthopedic surgeon could also be helpful. Another recommendation would be physical therapy which can help strengthen the muscles around the affected area and alleviate some of the back pain through targeted exercises and therapy. Overall, both types of specialists could play a role in your recovery, so it might be worth consulting with both to get a comprehensive plan for addressing your concern.

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @ffwife, thank you for your question. It's possible that the underlying cause of your symptoms could be related to your pectoral muscle adhering to the chest wall. However, a thorough consultation and examination would be necessary to determine the cause of the problem and treat it. Reconstruction surgery may be an option to correct the aesthetic component of your concerns. However, additional diagnostic testing may be necessary to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and develop an appropriate treatment plan. With that said, it's important to have consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon to assess your individual situation and provide you with the best recommendations for your unique needs. I link a testimonial video. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD. American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science Member (IFATS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP).

Jon S. Wilensky, MD · Answer

Repairing the pectoral muscle after breast implant removal (explantation) is possible, but the feasibility and success of such repair depend on several factors:1. Extent of Damage: If the pectoral muscle was damaged during the initial breast implant surgery or subsequent complications, the extent of the damage will determine the feasibility of repair. In some cases, the muscle may have experienced atrophy or other structural changes over time, which could affect the repair process.2. Time Since Explantation: Repairing the pectoral muscle years after explantation may be more challenging compared to addressing the issue soon after the initial surgery. However, with advances in surgical techniques and rehabilitation protocols, repairing muscles even years after the initial injury or surgery is possible in many cases.3. Patient's Overall Health: The patient's overall health and fitness level play a crucial role in the success of muscle repair surgery. Factors such as smoking, chronic medical conditions, and nutritional status can affect healing and recovery.4. Surgical Approach: The specific surgical technique used for repairing the pectoral muscle will depend on the nature and extent of the damage. This may involve procedures such as muscle reattachment, reconstruction, or reinforcement with tissue grafts or synthetic materials.5. Rehabilitation: Following muscle repair surgery, a comprehensive rehabilitation program is typically necessary to optimize outcomes. This may include physical therapy, exercises, and lifestyle modifications to promote muscle strength, flexibility, and function.It's essential to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate your specific situation, discuss treatment options, and provide recommendations based on your goals and medical history. They can assess the condition of the pectoral muscle, determine the feasibility of repair, and develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your needs

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Most muscles do not need to "be repaired" when implants are removed because they have healed back to the sternum or have shrank and scarred too much to be pulled back without using mesh or something else. Artificial products can then cause more scarring which is not good when muscles move.
You can visit with a plastic surgeon about this if you have questions. An orthopedic surgeon would not do this type if repair.  You back pain is most likely from something else.  Even with "a repair," you still may have animation when you flex your muscles.

Peter Andolina, DO · Answer

After 7 years the pectoralis muscle should have scarred down into place.  Whether or not it is in its anatomical position is a different story.  I think you need to get some imaging (an MRI would be best) to ensure that the pectoralis muscle is truly the cause of your issues and pain.   Surgery may not be the answer to your problems

Can pectoral muscle be repaired years after explant?

Answers (5)