Pec (Pectoralis) implants are becoming more popular to augment the appearance of the chest by bulking up and projecting
pectoral muscles. They do not however improve the definition of the muscles.
Pre-operative consultation for Pec implants
A consultation with a cosmetic surgeon will include;
Medical examination to ascertain your current medical status
Your medical history
Discussions on the surgical procedure, patient expectations, probable results and side effects that may result from the
surgery.
You should be advised to avoid working out two weeks prior to surgery
Pec implant material & procedure
The implant itself is a relatively soft but flexible silicone. An incision is made in the axilla (armpit) and the implants
are placed directly underneath the pectoralis muscle. Surgery is performed on an out-patient basis so you will be discharged
home the same day.
Post operative care pec implants
The chest is sore for a number of days. The dressing and sutures are removed after a few days. You will require one to two
weeks off work and should not do any sports for between two-six weeks.
Post operative complications pec implants
Infection: Estimated to affect 1 per cent of patients following this type of surgery. Implants are usually removed on the
affected side resulting in asymmetry until implants can be re-inserted six months later. During this period your chest will
be asymmetrical. The infection may require you to be hospitalised and if it is serious and you will require intravenous
antibiotics. Infection usually occurs within two months of surgery and rarely occurs after that time.
Displacement: The implants can become displaced. This can be to a minimal or significant extent. Surgery is required to
put them back into a correct position.
Hematoma: Occurs post surgery around an implant in about 1 per cent of patients. If the hematoma is large it will need to
be removed and the point of bleeding stopped.
Numbness: Occurring in about 1 per cent of patients, numbness in the upper arm can be temporary or occasionally
permanent. It results from trauma to the nerve in the area of surgery.
Seroma: This occurs mostly immediately post surgery. Your body usually reabsorbs the fluid requiring no surgical
intervention. In rare cases the fluid will need to be aspirated.
Cost
At the time of writing, total costs begin at about $6000 to $7000 in the US. This includes operation room, anesthesia, implants, and surgeon
and staff costs.
Updated November 2005
