What is “releasing the muscle?” in breast augmentation? Is it cut away?

Question

My dr says he can do my explant under local. I’m interested in this bc I’m pretty much broke from getting these stupid things. But I need to know I will recover the full use of my pec muscle. He says only a small part of the muscle was released on the bottom and should not need reattached. Does that makes sense? I can’t keep messing with this. I need a cheap fix but I also need the functionality back. Not half assed.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Releasing the muscle (pectoralis major) in breast augmentation means the attachments or fibers to the chest wall are cut to place the implant so that it settles nicely on the chest wall.

Daniel Brown, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thanks for your quesitons.  Sory to hear that you are going through this.  Typically, only a small portion of the pectoralis major muscle is released from the rib allowing the implant to settle into place directly centered behind the nipple-areolar comples.  Functionally this should not lead to any noticeable deficits.  If you are experiencing difficulties now, they may or may not be improved by explantation - it is impossible to guarantee.Best wishes!Daniel Brown, MD, FACSBoard Certified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic SurgeonsMember, American Society of  Plastic SurgeonsCastle Connolly Top DocReal Self Top 500

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

In some cases, breast implants can be removed under local anesthesia.  In other cases, especially when the capsule has thickened and/or when other maneuvers are necessary, it is better to have the procedure performed under general anesthesia. Most patients who undergo breast implant removal surgery will have full function of their pectoralis major muscle;  in most cases "reattachment" of the pectoralis major muscle is not necessary. I hope this helps.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear pinkvock,releasing the muscle means detachment of muscle fibers from a bone in order to create implant pocket. In most cases, implants can be removed under local anesthesia. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.Daniel Barrett, MD

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

What is “releasing the muscle?” in breast augmentation? Is it cut away?

Answers (4)

Answer: Implant removal

Answer: Implant removal

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

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What is “releasing the muscle?” in breast augmentation? Is it cut away?

Answers (4)

Answer: Implant removal

Answer: Implant removal

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

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