Pain and Itching from Saline Breast Implants

Hi, I have had a number of problems with my left breast over the past year. I have 8 year old saline filled implants. I started developing a lot of pain that can not be explained by the two plastic surgeons that I have gone to see.

My newest development is that I have a constant itch underneath my left breast. I am desperate for an answer. I do not want to remove them as I am only 29 years old and fear the outcome, but I grow so weary of the constant problems. Thanks for your help.

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4 Doctor Answers | Asked by Jai in Louisville, KY

Doctor Answers (4)
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Likely a Nerve Issue

Pain and itching are both "pains." Meaning that itching is a sensation that is conducted by pain nerve fibers. So both are connected. Although rarely done now days, occasionally implants are placed totally submuscularly. This means that the serratus anterior muscle is elevated and then sutured to the pectoralis muscle completely covering the implant. It is rare but I have seen two patients that complained of chronic pain. We removed the implants, resutured the serratus... more

Unfortunately,you could have some nerve damage in the left breast.

Hi. Breast implants don't cause any diseases, so I would not worry from a health point of view. You do sound like you are in a lot of distress. 1) Rarely, a nerve is damaged during breast augmentation, and, very rarely, the symptoms (pain, itching, pins and needles) are permanent. Even removing the implants may not help, but this would be a last resort. I really hope this is not your situation. 2) The most common cause of pain after implants is capsular contracture. If you have this... more

Post Augmentation Symptoms

Dear Jai, your symptoms are unususal but need to be attended to. Have you had a mammogram? is there any changes in the skin color, swelling or lumps in your axilla, any vesicles or small bumps on the skin, does anything make this better or worse? Itching can be caused by local allergy- to material (bra), detergent in laundry, soaps/shampoos, bites from insects, infection, skin disease, cancer, shingles or mood disorders. if there is a nerve in the area that has been injured with the... more

Check with a dermatologist also

Pain and itching in the left breast 8 years out from implants is uncommon. There is no real evidence that your implants could be causing the itching, especially since you had no problems for the first seven years. You need to make sure that there is no breast lump or mass that is giving you the symptoms (be ch eked out by your regular doctor) the itching is not related to medications or allergy to any materials (like those used in bras) I would recommend you see your regular doctor and... more