Lump after breast augmentation with saline implants

I had saline breast implants about 9 months ago. On my left breast, there is a lump that feels like a water bubble. Is this normal? What could this be?

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19 answers to “Lump after breast augmentation with...”

A: Breast Lump

Michael A. Bogdan, MD

I am glad you are doing a self exam - I encourage all my patients to examine their own breasts once per month.  The current lifetime risk for breast cancer is about 1 out of 8 women, so all "lumps" should be taken seriously.  I don't want you to get too anxious about it, but certainly... more

A: Breast mass should always be investigated

Stephen A. Goldstein, MD

I am so glad you asked this question, as it has vast implications for all women.  A breast mass should always be investigated regardless of the circumstances. More than likely, the “lump” that you have detected is related to the breast augmentation.  Please return to your treating plastic... more

A: Any breast lump should be evaluated

Gregory Turowski, MD, PhD

Lumps can be a normal feeling under your breast , especially after breast augmentation surgery using saline implants. These lumps usually are felt in the area by your breast fold. Feeling the implant in this area especially a saline implant is very common. You didn't mention if the implant is above or... more

A: Couple of reasons for breast augmentation lump

Bahram Ghaderi, MD

Saline implants would have couple of reasons why you may feel a lump. Either you are feeling a fold and that would be more pronounced if the implant is placed above the muscle or you are very thin and without much breast tissue. Or you may be feeling the implant valve area if the lump you are feeling is in the... more

A: Saline breast implants

Steven Wallach, MD

Lumpiness that is felt along the inferior pole of the breast by the fold is often the implant itself.  This is very common, but I would see your doctor if you are concerned.

A: You are probably feeling the edge of the implant

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD

You did not mention the thickness of your breast tissue or if the implant is above or below the muscle. Feeling the implant, especially a saline filled implant, is very common. The thinner the overlying soft tissue the more prevalent the problem. I have found that matching the appropriate base diameter of... more

A: A simple test to check out the breast lump

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

I completely agree with Dr. Johnson's assessment and recommendation. Any breast lump needs to be evaluated by a qualified health care professional. In the meantime to allay your fears, I offer the following suggestions. I believe, like him that it is the implant. These are the factors that help you... more

A: Saline breast implants can be easy to feel

Peter E. Johnson, MD

Saline breast implants inherently can be much easier felt, or occasionally seen when used in augmentation. The saline can ripple or in certain postions a slight fold can be felt much like a small bubble that you can displace with your fingers. The performance and appearance of a breast implant is affected by... more

A: Consult your plastic surgeon

David A. Robinson, MD

The lump you ar feeling most likely the edge or fold of the implant.  However, a cyst, persistent inflammation, scar tissue or an unknown mass cannot be excluded. I feel it is important to continue to perform monthly self breast examinations and seek a consultation with your plastic surgeon or... more

A: Probably the implant edge

Kenneth R. Francis, MD

As stated by the masses above, it is most likely your implant edge.  Have your plastic surgeon evaluate it.  Don't forget, you should have at least annual follow up with your surgeon, as well as, your gynecologist for a breast exam.  Good luck!

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