Hi Sharon,

I had implants removed, one due to a serious strep infection (was also
ruptured), and later I had the other removed. I was not lactating at
the time. I did not replace them. My incisions were/are under the
breast. It was very difficult to tell/confirm if the implant was
ruptured with ultrasounds and maybe CT scan (don't remember all the
details) but an MRI did show it.

However, both of these surgeries were very uncomfortable, I would not
describe them as quick and easy. There might be drains, and I had some
minor complications post-op (hematoma - very painful - I elected to
allow it to resolve while monitoring instead of draining it). This
mother might very well be nauseated, or needing more pain medicine
than she might imagine. I would not advise a mother to have this
surgery while breastfeeding, if at all possible.

Unless the risk of leaving them in for a time is very high. I concur
with your suggestion to have the MRI to rule out rupture, and to have
the surgery done at a later time, hopefully after weaning. If she
breastfeeds long term (I bf one about 6 yrs!) she may elect to have
them removed at a time when the child is not nursing from and
depending on her breasts quite as much as he is now. If she can
document symptoms and her doctor feels she might have a rupture, then
perhaps the MRI would be paid for via her insurance, if she has any.

Laurie Wheeler RN MN IBCLC
Mississippi USA

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