I'm 23years old. Can I have breast implants with a pacemaker?

Question

I've had a pacemaker since I was 16 due to a trifascicular block (placed over the muscle, under the collarbone). I have no other health issues. So my question is, would it be possible to get breast implants without interfering with the pacemaker? And, would the implants present a problem when I need to replace the pacemaker?

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

You are still a candidate for surgery, but I would require medical clearance from your cardiologist prior to moving forward.  The implants should not cause any issues for you when replacing the pacemaker.  Best of luck!

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. This should not be a problem and I have performed breast augmentation in patients with this exact same story before.  You would need to obtain medical clearance from your cardiologist prior to surgery.    This entire surgery can be performed with a
small incision technique.  Make sure you specifically look
at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery
performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   The most important aspect is to find a
surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend that you seek consultation with a
qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

This should not be an issue- as long as the wire won't be stretched out by the implant, etc. Usually, the pacemaker needs to be demagnetized so it is not affected during surgery. Clearance with your cardiologist would be necessary as well as An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon is recommended to discuss your options and expectations.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!!
Thanks for the question and provided information as well. 
Please talk to your primary doctor to get clearance for plastic surgery and then I suggest you book a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss the best options for your goals.
Hope this is helpful. Good luck :)

Emmanuel Perez, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

That is a Great question! 
Patient safety is the first thing we consider and it is always best to obtain a medical clearance from your cardiologist and make sure that your surgeon and cardiologist communicate to determine if you are a candidate for surgery. 
In my experience the presence of a pacemaker in the upper pole of the breast does not limit the placement of submuscular implants, but you must have Medical Clearance.

I'm 23years old. Can I have breast implants with a pacemaker?

Answers (6)