Breast surgery complications (including implants)

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Hospital doctors

Patients who have had implant surgery performed and present with implant related complications should be referred back to the organisation that performed the surgery.
Where this is not possible, investigation and treatment up to the removal of the implant may be performed. Once any emergency interventions are complete any further intervention will only be considered under this pathway. Post implant removal mastopexy will not be offered routinely.
Replacement of breast implants will only be considered where the original implant surgery was performed by the NHS.
Patients who have had implant surgery performed privately for reconstruction after breast cancer will be treated as if their implants have been provided by the NHS.
Patients undergoing surgery for breast cancer or breast cancer risk reduction should not be considered under this pathway.

Referral to a specialist Clinical Psychologist may be made at the discretion of the surgical team.

There are no specific BMI restrictions.
If BMI is significantly raised, consider carefully whether patient is appropriate for this type of surgery.

Change in the appearance, size, or shape of a breast with a prior history of implant surgery under the NHS.
Pain related to capsular contracture.
Implant rupture or extrusion.

Implants placed privately for cosmetic reasons will not be replaced by NHS Scotland. This would establish an ongoing duty of care for the replacement implants.

Treatment for these conditions is not routinely offered by NHSScotland and can only be considered when all criteria are met.