MRI Confirms Herniated Breast Implant. Can't Find a Surgeon to Fix & Replace Implants

Question

Implants under muscle,from a B to DD, 1999. 3 years later started with sharp stabbing pain, shortness of breath, Numbness left arm, all signs of heart of attack. years of tested showing I have strong heart. As my implant moved more to the lateral side, pushing through the scare tissue now sitting on the skin wall. 2009 MRI confirmed the Herniated implant. Still unable to find a surgeon who has history of repairing muscle hernias from breast implants. Along with putting new implants in. Help?

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	It sounds like you are dealing with a breast implant malposition problem.

	It is possible (with high likelihood of success) to correct implant malposition problems of all kinds with capsulorrhaphy techniques that are performed correctly.  

	There is a learning curve with this operation and I recommend that you seek consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon with significant experience treating these problems. You may find the link attached below helpful.

	Best wishes.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

A muscle hernia is not a true diagnosis but I assume your MRI shows that your silicone has leaked beyond the capsule, into and through the muscle . In general this will require removal of all the tissue and the involved muscle. This may require a two stage operation with the first being removal of the implants and all the silicone material as wel as much of the capsule as possible. At a second operation at least 4-6 months later, you would require breast assessment and possible reconstruciton of the breast with fat grafting.

Shahin Javaheri, MD · Answer

YES, it is repairable.  Fortunately, Chicago is blessed with a number of excellent plastic surgeons.  The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons web site will provide you with the names of these individuals.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

There are plenty of good plastic surgeons in the Chicago area that I am sure can help you with your problem.

Alexis Verpaele, MD · Answer

Did the MRI report rule out the chance that your implant might be ruptured? In that case I would tackle this problem by replacing the implant with a micropolyurethane covered implant with a cohesive gel. Either it could be also placed behind the muscle after removing the old capsule, or in front of the muscle if you have sufficient breast and fatty tissue to cover it. The big advantage of this kind of implant is that the chance of developing a capsular contracture is ten times lower, and there is no risk of implant rotation or displacement.

MRI Confirms Herniated Breast Implant. Can't Find a Surgeon to Fix & Replace Implants

Answers (8)

Answer: MRi and implant problem

Answer: MRi and implant problem

Answer: This might be a leak

Answer: This might be a leak

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

MRI Confirms Herniated Breast Implant. Can't Find a Surgeon to Fix & Replace Implants

Answers (8)

Answer: MRi and implant problem

Answer: MRi and implant problem

Answer: This might be a leak

Answer: This might be a leak

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.