Will a surgeon explant silicone breast implants with someone with a pacemaker?

Question

I have been ill (disabled) for nearly 7 years. I started having symptoms 6 months after silicone implants & am totally disabled due to a "mystery illness". In June it will be 10 years and that's their shelf life anyway. I am not dependent on my pacemaker, in fact, I don't use it at all. It's just there for "insurance". I have some electrical issues, yet my heart is perfectly healthy. Will a surgeon have an issue agreeing to explant me and remove the capsule as well (using cautery tools)?

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Yes you should still be able to have your implants removed even though you have a pacemaker.  You will first want to speak to your cardiologist about your desire to have your implants removed.  If given clearance you can then schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon near you.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and I am sorry to hear of your "mystery illness."  Once cleared by your cardiologist there should not be any issues with removing your implants and performing a capsulectomy.  Your pacemaker will be turned off for the procedure and turned back on afterwards.  Hope this helps.

Richard Chaffoo, MD, FACS, FICS · Answer

I always obtain cardiology clearance when a patient has an indwelling pacemaker as certain types are affected by the electrocautery unit and need to be turned off during surgery. This is a conversation your plastic surgeon must have with your cardiologist prior to elective surgery.

Milind K. Ambe, MD · Answer

You can have surgery on your breasts as long as you get cardiology clearance and you have a representative of your pacemaker their during your surgery (this will be all pre arranged).  Just make sure you speak to your cardiologist first, and then find a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who feels comfortable performing this type of surgery.  Best of luck to you

Vincent P. Marin, MD, FACS · Answer

From your description, you should be able to have the implants removed. This would require a consultation with your cardiologist and an adjustment to your pacemaker prior to the procedure. Normally, cautery can be used and then the pacemaker switched back following the procedure. Since this is not normally in use, it shouldn't be a problem. The removal of the capsules makes the procedure much more involved and it is not clear that you need this considering your overall health. You should see a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area to get a formal opinion through an in-person consultation.
Best of luck.

Will a surgeon explant silicone breast implants with someone with a pacemaker?

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Will a surgeon explant silicone breast implants with someone with a pacemaker?

Answers (7)

Answer: Explant surgery with pacemaker

Answer: Explant surgery with pacemaker

Answer: Removing Implants with a Pacemaker in Place

Answer: Removing Implants with a Pacemaker in Place

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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.