Breast Implant Removal and Mesh Sling?

Question

I am having my breast implants removed after 16 years. I have a mesh sling in my right breast that was placed there 15 years ago to correct double-bubble. Should this mesh be removed at the time of explant? Will removing it even be possible, or will it have grown so much into my real tissue that it would be more traumatic to the tissue to try to remove it? If I don't remove it, will it interfere with the ability of my skins to shrink and contract? Or do you think it has dissolved by now? Thanks!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	 Unless, the mesh material  consists of a foreign body that may be palpable after breast implant removal, it is likely in your best interests not to have the “mesh” removed. Your concerns about the mesh being incorporated into your own tissues are valid;   attempting to remove this material may result in deformity of the overlying tissues and/or increased risk of complications associated with the procedure.

	 Of course, your plastic surgeon is  in the best position to advise you more precisely.

	Best wishes.

Marcel Daniels, MD · Answer

After so many years, depending upon what the mesh was made of, it is likely incorporated into your tissue or has dissolved. Leaving it will not effect your skin's ability to shrink. Good luck!

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