Can breast implant extrusion reoccur after surgery to clean and change it? Could other type of sutures be less reactive? (Photo)

Question

Post reconstruc. breast surg. 4 wks. In a week blood starts to drip from the insis. doc sad its liquified blood clot. I feel better though In 3 wks excruciat. stubbing pain in incis. had an ultrasound.The results were all clean.in a week pain almost gone but black dot is on the incis. terrif. to find out it's an implant. Doc sad it has to be removed ,changed, area cleaned. what is the chance of reoccur.of extrusion? a chance of reaction to other type of suture? I'm 18,HEALTHY Don't smoke.

Nana N. Mizuguchi, MD, FACS · Answer

Implant salvage on a healthy individuals can be performed successfully.  I would try to remain positive and stay in close contact with your surgeon.Best Wishes,Nana Mizuguchi, MD

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

It may be prudent to remove the implant for a few months and then reevaluate for options.Close follow up with your plastic surgeon is recommended.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Sounds like you had some issues going on. If the implant is not exposed, then often a small dehiscence at the incision goes on to heal with local wound care. If the implant is exposed, then likely it needs to be removed. Best to follow with your surgeon.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

By definition you have an infected implant! Thus removal the correct option. Allow 3 months healing than reinsertion new implant. Sorry.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Sorry to hear about your condition.You will find that the options available to you differ from expert to expert.  Each Plastic Surgeon has his/her way of dealing with complications.  I have found that you have only two options:1.  Remove the implant, wash the pocket with antibiotics, close it without a new implantthen come back in 8-12 weeks to re-implant.2.  Open the pocket, remove any remainder of the hematoma (blood clot), remove the implant, irrigate with antibiotic solution then REPLACE the old implant with a new one.Not replacing the old implant may allow a 'biofilm; to remain which may cause more problems later.  You may look up "biofilm on implants" on the internet where you will find pages of studies like this one.microbewiki.kenyon.edu/index.php/Biofilms_and_Human_ImplantsBest of luck

Can breast implant extrusion reoccur after surgery to clean and change it? Could other type of sutures be less reactive? (Photo)

Answers (6)