Is pec flex deformity the only consequence to not having the pec muscle repaired after explant or can there be other problems with the muscle? I had my implants removed 7 yeara ago but recently have pain near the fold that feels muscular as well as burning pain. Can sagging from age make the muscle compromised or burny?
November 7, 2023
Answer: Pectoralis muscle repair I think you’ve asked similar questions in the past. It’s really not possible to repair the pectoralis muscles during explantation after breast augmentation. I’m not sure where you got the idea that this is some kind of standard of care for an appropriate procedure to be done. I’ve never heard of a plastic surgeon, attempting to repair the cut part of the pectoralis muscle during removal of breast implants. The muscle edges become incorporated into capsule tissue and attempting to realign edges of the pectoralis muscle will cause disfigurement intention inside the capsule. Explantation should not create long-term chest pain, and if you’re having symptoms, it is most likely from another ideology. That said any, and all surgical interventions can create body sensations that are different from the physical aspect of surgical intervention. Most people get a custom to the changes after surgery, and the new sensations become the new normal. Those who continue to believe that there was a problem with the procedure, or that the procedure was the cause of an ongoing problem are more likely to continue experiencing symptoms. This is the primary basis of breast, implant illness. Anyone who believes cosmetic surgery has caused irreparable damage will continue to have ongoing symptoms. The placebo effect is extremely powerful. In that sense, the symptoms are quite real. I don’t think there is a plastic surgery approach to your concerns, and there is no indication for further surgery based on what you describe. I apologize in advance if my response seems blunt and unsympathetic. I’m a big advocate of being honest with people. You can’t undo the decisions of the past, so I suggest trying to move forward. Best, Mats Hagstrom, MD
Helpful
November 7, 2023
Answer: Pectoralis muscle repair I think you’ve asked similar questions in the past. It’s really not possible to repair the pectoralis muscles during explantation after breast augmentation. I’m not sure where you got the idea that this is some kind of standard of care for an appropriate procedure to be done. I’ve never heard of a plastic surgeon, attempting to repair the cut part of the pectoralis muscle during removal of breast implants. The muscle edges become incorporated into capsule tissue and attempting to realign edges of the pectoralis muscle will cause disfigurement intention inside the capsule. Explantation should not create long-term chest pain, and if you’re having symptoms, it is most likely from another ideology. That said any, and all surgical interventions can create body sensations that are different from the physical aspect of surgical intervention. Most people get a custom to the changes after surgery, and the new sensations become the new normal. Those who continue to believe that there was a problem with the procedure, or that the procedure was the cause of an ongoing problem are more likely to continue experiencing symptoms. This is the primary basis of breast, implant illness. Anyone who believes cosmetic surgery has caused irreparable damage will continue to have ongoing symptoms. The placebo effect is extremely powerful. In that sense, the symptoms are quite real. I don’t think there is a plastic surgery approach to your concerns, and there is no indication for further surgery based on what you describe. I apologize in advance if my response seems blunt and unsympathetic. I’m a big advocate of being honest with people. You can’t undo the decisions of the past, so I suggest trying to move forward. Best, Mats Hagstrom, MD
Helpful