What Could Be Causing Warm and Tender Breasts?

Hi. Hard to tell what's causing this, and probably unrelated to breast implants. But I would recommend an MRI of the breasts every 3 years in any woman with silicone implants. And get a good exam.

If you are having alternating warmth and pain around your implants, you really need to see your surgeon to make sure there is no suspected infection or other problem occurring.

If you are feeling warm implants and tender every two weeks now, I would suggest getting them evaluated by your doctor. 

Clearly, the most likely explanation is hormonal due to the cyclical variation. You did not state your age but I have heard this complaint quite frequently from women in their mid 40's who are perimenopausal. Not infrequently they have had enlargement of their breast tissue over pre-existing implants of long-standing duration and also commonly report 5-10 weight gain. I don't know the exact significance of these findings but they are a common grouping of symptoms/complaints. There is an old... more

Your symptoms have many potential answers - indolent infectious process, implants leaking, menstrual cycle or another process that is unrelated to your implants. You should see your plastic surgeon and gynecologists for an evaluation. You will likely need blood work, and radiologic studies such as an MRI prior to a diagnosis is made. You should see them ASAP. Good luck.

Your symptoms, which are in both breasts, are more likely unrelated to the implants. You should have your GYN doctor examine you and look at a recent mammogram. Your plastic surgeon should examine you and see if there is any evidence of capsular contracture or implant rupture. Given that it is in both implants, it is unlikely to be rupture. Good luck with your care.

Chrissy, It is unlikely that your implants are infected. They could be leaking, but the cyclical nature of your symptoms suggests something with your menstrual cycle. I suggest a check up with your gynecologist to start. He/she can refer you on from there if need be. Good luck!

A clinical exam will be needed to rule out any developing capsular contracture, if implant leak is suspected an Ultra sound or MRI might need to be done. Infection is another differential diagnosis, but it is unlikely in the abscence of other clinical signs.