Exposed Breast Implant, 1 month post op after lift with implant exchange. What should I do? (photos)

Question

I am waiting for my Doctor to call and I freaking out. When I get home from work, took a shower, changed my dressing and found that my implant has become exposed. I’m not finding much information on this complication and I scared. What is the next step? I had breast lift and smaller implants exchange on November 15th. Dr put me on Keplex last Friday because I had some stubborn healing areas.

Seth Jones, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  You should contact your plastic surgeon immediately.  This will require a surgery where the implant is exchanged or removed.  I am sorry this complication occurred with you but is definitely a possibility with this type of revision surgery.  Good luck

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Jeannie46,I am sorry for your trouble. I would suggest you to contact your plastic surgeon ASAP and get an examination. Until then keep your wound clean and covered. Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

should come out... as attempts at salvage will fail or result in contractures that will necessitate more surgery down the road.  I'm really sorry you are experiencing this but your surgeon should be bending over backwards to help you through this.  You should have had the implant out by now and hopefully your breast is on its way towards healing.  Once healed (6 months or more) then you can go back to have an implant put back but your surgeon should be thinking of ways to help reinforce that area or at least not make any incisions there and stay away.

Ziyad Hammoudeh, MD · Answer

I would recommend calling your plastic surgeon as soon as possible.  Unfortunately, the implant will need to be removed and the wound closed.  Once healing is complete, you can have the implant replaced.  Best of luck.
Ziyad Hammoudeh, MD

Hilton Becker, MD · Answer

You need to have the implant removed as soon as possible.There is a lot of inflammation and thinning of the skin,so I don't think you will  be able to save the implant

Richard J. Brown, MD · Answer

So this would be a surgical emergency or urgency. I would cover the wound and if you have some betadine I would paint the skin around the wound. The implant needs to be removed. The wound needs to be cleaned up and you will need a new implant now or in a delayed fashion depending on if the wound can be closed.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear/see the problem you are experiencing.  At this point, best to cover the wound and exposed implant with a sterile dressing.  Hopefully your plastic surgeon will contact you soon; unfortunately, breast implant removal will likely be necessary. Best wishes.

Exposed Breast Implant, 1 month post op after lift with implant exchange. What should I do? (photos)

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