Is it possible that my plastic surgeon punctured my lung during surgery?

Question

I had surgery this morning with my plastic surgeon to correct an over correction of my breast. I was awake for the procedure and while he was injecting the anesthesia into my ribs I felt a sharp pain and immediately started coughing up medicine. My tongue and throat went numb & my heart started racing. I could taste the medicine and I continued to cough it up for 10- 15 minutes and the Dr insisted it was the anti-nausea pill they gave me prior.My chest hurts and now I'm worried.

Steven J. Rottman, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and congratulations on your recent breast augmentation procedure. While chest wall and / or lung injury is a possibility with breast augmentation surgery, it is extremely uncommon. If your pain continues to worsen or you have difficulty breathing, I suggest going to your local Emergency Room for evaluation - including a chest x-ray. Hope this helps and good luck with your recovery.

Nana N. Mizuguchi, MD, FACS · Answer

It is possible but you would be much more symptomatic.  He probably hit your rib which can be painful.If you are experiencing difficulty in breathing, it is an emergency.Best Wishes,Nana Mizuguchi, MD

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

While it is possible to puncture into the chest during a breast augmentation for surgeons with experience the risk is a small one. Coughing up medicine, not likely, however if the needle punctures the chest you can feel very short of breath, have chest pains, and a rapid heart rate. The cause is pneumothorax, or air in the chest space and while it can clear on its own, your surgeon should see you and listen to your chest and obtain an x-ray if in doubt.

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

While this is very unlikely to happen, it is possible. If you are having problems, call you doctor right away or go to the Emergency Room. In most cases, if the lung is injured in this way, it heals without any treatment.

Is it possible that my plastic surgeon punctured my lung during surgery?

Answers (4)

Answer: Is it possible that my plastic surgeon punctured my lung during surgery?

Answer: Is it possible that my plastic surgeon punctured my lung during surgery?

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Is it possible that my plastic surgeon punctured my lung during surgery?

Answers (4)

Answer: Is it possible that my plastic surgeon punctured my lung during surgery?

Answer: Is it possible that my plastic surgeon punctured my lung during surgery?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

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