Breast Implant Falling out of Pocket? Extreme Pain...

I got 350cc saline breast implants under muscle in 2002. I went from a 36 full B to full D. I was 20 yrs old 125 lbs, and 5'9 . A yr and half later I had to get my right implant redone due to falling out of pocket. I guess they stitched the pocket back close. Anyways its been fine these last 10 yrs except maybe 4 different times I was in pain n felt like it was leaking or dropping but then itd get better. These last 2 months though ive been in extreme pain and it feels like its falling out. Help

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age 18-24 5 ft 8 in to 6 ft 0 in saline implants under muscle 110-129 lbs 350 lbs and up

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7 Doctor Answers | Asked by Avalynn Smith

Doctor Answers (7)
Community Comments (1)

Appearance, not pain, is a more reliable indicator of "bottoming out."

I'm sorry to hear of your difficulties. Leaking would be easily diagnosed by gradual decrease in breast size, increased rippling, and eventual deflation. Pain would not usually be associated with a saline implant leak or deflation, and the saline inside your implants is identical to intravenous saline and is harmlessly absorbed. Bottoming out occurs when the scar capsule around your implant is so thin and pliable that your breast pocket opens up (scar capsule stretches or tears through)... more

Extreme Pain 10 years after Breast Implants

If the pain moves from the lateral chest wall to the nipple areola complex, then the implant or scar around it may be irritating the nerve. A local anesthetic block may help in the diagnosis. This may be the result of capsular contracture, but, without any increase in firmness of the breast, this is unlikely. Sometimes, the pain is not related to the implants at all. Obviously, a physical exam could put many of these concerns to rest.

Time to see your surgeon

Your description can be an indication of many different issues, but most certainly I would recommend seeing your surgeon for an exam. There can be many reasons for these sensations including both related and unrelated to your implants. An consultation with a knowledgable plastic surgeon should at the very least alleviate your concerns.

What to do for extreme pain 10 years after breast augmentation? Ask Dr Ellen

Hello Avalynn, There is no time like now for a follow up appointment! The best help you can get is from your surgeon or if you have moved, a board certified plastic surgeon. Thanks for asking! Dr Ellen

How to correct recurrent stretch deformity following breast augmentation

If your implants are submuscular then the lower outer quadrant is the weak spot. If your implants are too large for our soft tissue to support they will ultimately cause a stretch deformity drifting of laterally. This can cause a stretching of the nerves and thus your pain. It sounds like you had procedure in the past to close down the lateral pocket. It is possible that this type of procedure would be appropriate again or consider using a material know as... more

Implant and pain

Without an exam it is difficult to ascertain what the cause of the pain is. It is best to discuss this with your doctor during an exam.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Recurrent Breast Implant Displacement?

Thank you for the question. Based on your description, it may very well be that you are experiencing a recurrent breast implant displacement problem. I would suggest that you seek consultation with a well experienced board-certified plastic surgeon in your area. He/she will be able to give you more precise advice after physical examination. If a breast implant displacement problem is present, internal sutures ( capsulorrhaphy) may be necessary to repair the breast implant... more

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Comments (1)

Avalynn Smith 6 Jan 2013

The pain is more like pain from implant being displaced. I work as a receptionist and use my right arm constantly (typing, answering phones, scanning, writing) and this is when pain is at its worst. On weekends im not in that much pain. Im so confused...and dont live in houston where my original PS is. Im in MS now. The dr here charges 100 for consultation. I can't afford that right now. I just would like to know what may be causing this pain. It is a little lower than my left. But I wouldn't think falling out of pocket would cause pain like this..

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