Brest implant rejection

I had brast implants 6 yrs ago. After the initial op my left side healed with little trouble, however the right side never healed. I was told that a build up of granulation tissue was preventing the wound sealing. I had this granulation tissue removed several times. After 2 yrs i was advised that i needed to have the cavity cleaned out. I underwent further surgery, the implant had in fact ruptured so was removed and replaced, and the cavity cleaned out. I then healed after this operation. Some 18 months later I had a bubble appear in the scar, which eventually opened up and started to leak. I went to my GP who stiched the wound back up. This was ok for a few months but it again opened up. I then discovered what appeared to be an absyss just to the left of my nipple. It was bleeding and was black in the middle, I visited my GP who advised me that it was in fact my implant which had pushed its way through my skin. As a result i was admitted to hospital and had the implant removed. I was told that the infection was very bad and it has infact eaten away a lot of my breast tissue on one side. I have been left with virtually no breast tissue and sever scarring. I currently have one implant in and am wearing a prosthesis to level me up. Please could you advise as to what action i should take to put myself right as i am at a loss as to what to do :-(

[Howard Rosenberg, MD]

This is a very complex issue involving recurrent infection, capsule contracture, implant extrusion and volume loss.  The simplest solution would be simply to remove the left implant and not touch the right side again, leaving you more symmetrical, but with little risk.  If you are still determined to enlarge both sides, then you might ultimately consider fat injections to both breasts at a later date as an alternative to a foreign implant.

The more complicated solution would be to attempt reconstruction of the right breast with another implant.  You would obviously need to consult with a plastic surgeon to discuss.