Can I Get My Hardware Removed 15 Months After My Shoulder Narrowing Surgery?

Q: Dr. Eppley, Hi! I had clavicle reduction and waist narrowing with Dr Eppley on March 13, 2023. I am considering having the clavicle hardware removed. I’m interested in learning more about what it would cost, how far out it would have to be scheduled, recovery restrictions, that kind of thing. I am very pleased with the results of both the shoulder narrowing, and the waist narrowing. I healed up very well. However, one of the screws on my right clavicle feels like it has worked its way out by just a few millimeters. It’s not a huge deal, but the surrounding tissue can get a little irritated sometimes, which is why I’m asking about the hardware removal. Thanks!

A: Good to hear from you and I am glad to hear that both procedures were beneficial. Certainly after over one year of healing the clavicle hardware can be removed. The hardware removal is very different and offers a much easier recovery. It is a one  hour procedure done as an outpatient. There are no significant restruction of arm movements after surgery other than I would avoid heavy lifting for the first 30 days after as a pure precautionary maneuver. The clavicle osteotomy site is undoubtably healed but whether it can sustain heavy load bearing across the healed osteotomy line which has been protected by the plate and screw fixation is one potential issue to be aware. This it may take some time for the clavicles to re-establish their strength once the fixation has been removed, thus I would simply be mindful of that in the short term.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon