Breast Implants and Pectus Deformity Repair: A Retrospective Study and Clinical Recommendations

Area of Science:

• Thoracic surgery
• Plastic surgery
• Medical device complications

Background:

• Pectus deformities are common chest wall abnormalities requiring surgical correction.
• Females undergoing pectus repair may have a history of breast implants or desire augmentation.
• This study investigates the clinical outcomes of pectus repair in patients with breast implants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the clinical implications and outcomes of pectus repair in female patients with breast implants.
• To identify potential complications associated with concurrent pectus surgery and breast implants.
• To provide evidence-based recommendations for managing patients with pectus deformities and breast implants.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of female patients undergoing pectus repair at Mayo Clinic Arizona (2010-2025).
• Analysis of outcomes and complications in patients with and without breast implants.
• Comparison of infection rates, pneumothorax, and hematoma between groups.

Main Results:

• 456 females included; 22.8% had a history of breast implants, with 68 undergoing procedures concurrently.
• Patients with breast implants present during pectus repair had significantly higher cumulative infection incidence (8.8% vs 1.8%; p=0.0015).
• Increased rates of deep and superficial infections, pneumothorax, and hematoma were observed in patients with implants.

Conclusions:

• Concurrent breast implants during pectus repair are associated with a significantly higher risk of postoperative infection.
• Pectus repair in patients with breast implants also showed increased rates of pneumothorax and hematoma.
• Recommendations include removing breast implants prior to pectus repair, with delayed replacement if desired.