Should I go to the ER or wait until Monday to get appointment with plastic surgeon for possible leak of breast implant? (Photo)

Question

Had recent breast reconstruction surgery after mastectomy and expanders, the end of April. I feel that my left implant may have a leak due to a fall about half an hour ago. There seems to be a bubble upon palpitation. The left breast has been consistently smaller since surgery. Neither have completely settled yet. It is Saturday night, needing to know if I should go to the ER or just wait until Monday to schedule an appointment with my plastic surgeon?

Farah Naz Khan, MD · Answer

Best to call your plastic surgeon's office to inform them of what happened and see them ASAP. An ER would be helpful if you were experiencing signs of infection: i.e. redness, warmth, fever, tenderness, etc.

Stacey Folk, MD · Answer

Dear judaye,Unless you have signs of a hematoma (expanding size with bruising) or infection (redness, tenderness, fever) the ER will probably have you follow up with your surgeon. I would contact the office and let them know what happened. They will likely want to examine you and decide if any further studies are warranted. Rupturing an implant from a fall would be unlikely, but you can tear the capsule or scar tissue around the implant which could explain what you are feeling.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

It is unlikely that any emergency room physician can take steps to resolve the problem.  I would suggest calling the answering service of your plastic surgeon to notify them of the problem and make certain to call on Monday morning to make an appointment to be seen that day.  As long as you do not have a high fever or signs of infection such as pain severe redness itching you should be okay until Monday.

Should I go to the ER or wait until Monday to get appointment with plastic surgeon for possible leak of breast implant? (Photo)

Answers (3)