Retained Foreign Object after primary breast augmentation?

Question

I know it's really rare, but how rare is it to have an RFO after a primary breast augmentation?

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

An unintended retained foreign object after primary breast augmentation is very uncommon, and there is not a reliable breast-augmentation-specific percentage that applies to every practice. A breast implant itself is, technically, a medical implant or foreign material, but an RFO usually means something unintentionally left behind, such as a sponge, instrument fragment, or needle fragment. Modern operating room counts, checklists, and accredited facility protocols are designed to make this event rare.

If you are asking because of symptoms or an imaging finding, bring the concern directly to your surgeon rather than trying to estimate risk from statistics. Persistent focal pain, a palpable hard object, recurrent swelling, drainage, infection, or an unexpected X-ray, mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI finding should be evaluated. The right imaging test depends on the exam and on what material is suspected.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Retained foreign bodies are exceedingly rare regardless of the surgery. There are counts performed throughout the procedure to ensure that all sponges and instruments etc. are accounted for.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

I have never had that experience in performing over 7500 breast augmentations over 40 years. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It is very rare to have a retained foreign object after breast augmentation.  There are safety precautions put in place in the operating room to avoid something like this.  If you suspect this has occurred I encourage you to speak with your surgeon.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You will 100% of the time have two retained foreign objects called breast implants.  Other things like surgical instruments, blades and needles and will be counted and should not be retained.

Caner Kacmaz, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Here's how rare it is:
For anatomical (teardrop-shaped) implants, the rotation rate is reported to be between 1% and 14%, but the average is around 1–5% depending on surgical technique, implant type, and pocket dissection.

For round implants, rotation isn’t a clinical issue, since the shape is symmetrical.
Factors that increase RFO risk:
Using anatomical implants (since rotation changes the shape)
Oversized implant pockets
Weak tissue support or thin breast tissue
Poor implant adhesion (some textured implants are more stable)
Early excessive arm movement or trauma post-op

For more information and video consultation you can contact Dr. Caner Kacmaz Clinic through our website

Retained Foreign Object after primary breast augmentation?

Answers (6)

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