Breast Implant Extrusion: Why Does it Occur and Is it Common?

There are several complications associated with breast augmentation surgery, and breast implant intrusion tends to be a significant cause for concern. 

While this condition is very rare (occurring in less than 2 percent of patients), it's essential to be aware of the potential risks associated with getting breast implants and understand the alternative ways to enhance the breasts naturally. 

What is Breast Implant Extrusion?

Breast implant extrusion, also referred to as breast implant exposure, occurs when the breast skin and tissues designed to hold the implant fail, causing the implant to protrude and become exposed at the inframammary fold. The inframammary fold is the site where the incision is placed for breast augmentation, breast reconstruction, or breast lift.

This complication tends to occur shortly after the procedure's completion but can also occur throughout the recovery timeline.

What Causes Breast Implant Extrusion?

Breast implant extrusion can occur for several reasons, the most prevalent issues being infection, trauma, or weakened tissue. Malpractice is the leading cause of these issues, such as placing a large implant on a patient with minimal tissue coverage or insufficient blood supply.

Other risk factors that can lead to weakness at the incision site are:

1. Smoking

2. Diabetes

3. Injections near the scar site

4. Radiation therapy

5. Strenuous activity post-procedure

Not following your surgeon's post-procedure instructions can result in other adverse side effects like capsular contracture or even implant rupture. 

Can You Treat Breast Implant Extrusion?

For patients dealing with breast implant extrusion, the general course of treatment requires the removal of the implant. The following methods can be utilized to treat the issue:

1. Administering antibiotics

2. Implant exchange

3. Pocket relocation or repositioning

4. Wound debridement and closure

5. Tissue or muscular flap coverage

A new implant will then generally be reinserted to prevent capsular contracture and distortion due to the collapse of the pocket. Whether or not it's necessary to place a new implant depends on how severe the extrusion or exposure is.

The rate of successful reimplantation is far greater for patients in the early stages of threatened exposure when the risk of infection or necrotic tissue is limited. As the complication advances untreated, severe infection and necrosis can become a concern. After this point, the breast tissue can be damaged irreparably, putting the patient at risk of life-threatening complications that can make reimplantation impossible and cause lasting aesthetic irregularities.

How Can I Prevent Breast Implant Extrusion from Happening?

Breast implant extrusion can be prevented with the following methods:

1. Avoid strenuous activity until your surgeon clears you for it.

2. Choose an implant that is appropriate in size.

3. Choose an experienced plastic surgeon that you trust.

Patients in San Jose can also avoid implants entirely and go with a natural fat transfer breast enhancement like the AirSculpt® Up a Cup™, which can augment your breast size without implants. If no foreign material is involved, you won't have to worry about dealing with implant extrusion.

The AirSculpt® Up a Cup™ draws excess fat from the abdomen, hips, thighs, or other areas to transfer it via injection to the breasts, allowing our surgeon-artists to modify shape and volume with precision.

AirSculpt® significantly reduces risk using our minimally invasive tools and techniques. We do not make incisions with scalpels, nor does our process require needles or the use of general anesthesia. This ensures results that fit your ideal aesthetic while looking more natural and being far safer than traditional liposuction-based fat transfers.

Our process uses a biopsy punch to form a perfectly symmetrical two-millimeter-wide opening through which fat is removed and then injected into the breasts. No noticeable scarring is formed as a result, and this process also allows us to forgo stitches for a faster, simpler healing process.

For more information on how we can help you achieve your body goals, contact our San Jose AirSculpt office or the body contouring location nearest you to schedule a complimentary consultation.