Would Having Silicone Injections Into My Chest Be An Issue For Getting Custom Pectoral Implants?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am interested in custom pectoral implants.I’m 6’ 3” and anywhere from 220 to 250lbs  so the 900cc custom pectoral implants would work. Is my silicone that was injected in my chest an issue? I am also planning on having shoulder surgery soon, is that an issue? Ideally I’d like to get the surgery not so far after the shoulder surgery so that I’m not going through tons of “down time” but I don’t know if that’s a possibility. 

Thank you

A: In answer to your custom pectoral implants questions:

1) I assume that the silicone injections were either placed into the chest soft tissues above the muscle or into the muscle itself. Pectoral implants are placed under the muscle which presumably is out of the zone of the silicone injections….with the operative word ‘presumably’. Do you know what volume of silicone was injected, how many injections and how long ago?

2) Pectoral implants can be done after shoulder surgery. (or before) The critical question is how long after the shoulder surgery. That would depend on what your shoulder surgeon says is advisable as we have to put your arms out to 60 degrees from your body during surgery. Whenever he/she says it is safe to do so would be the guiding principle for the timing of the surgery.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana