Should I see a doctor for rippling and burning pain in left breast after surgery 3 years ago?

Question

I had my breast augmentation three years ago. I recently noticed rippling in both breast near cleavage area. Recently, my left side began to burn in the area where the rippling has occurred. Is this worth seeing my PS for? I am 110 lbs and 5’2” so I was aware that rippling may occur because of my size but I wasn’t expecting the burning.

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Without seeing you in person it's hard to determine what's going on.  I would suggest seeing your plastic surgeon for an in person evaluation.  Best of luck to you.

Richard H. Fryer, MD · Answer

Rippling is a very common issue after breast augmentation and does not mean that anything is wrong with the implant.  The burning pain, however, may be completely separate from the issue with rippling and should be assessed by your plastic surgeon to see if there are options that may help the discomfort resolve.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear clwhe,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment. Only after thorough examination you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Edwin C. Pound, III, MD · Answer

You did not offer much information other than the symptoms of rippling and burning.  You did not mention what type of implants were used or any details about the surgery.  There is also no photo to evaluate.  Even if you had provided those items, I would still think it would be best to let a board-certified plastic surgeon see you in person in order to evaluate you.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your excellent question.  As this has been a change in your recovery I would recommend reaching out to your surgeon or a local ASPS plastic surgeon to discuss your concerns and to consider treatment options.  Hope this helps.

Michelle Bonness, MD · Answer

This is a very important question. Yes, you should see your surgeon. They will be able to help you and discuss with you the change that has occurred over the 3 years. I am confident that they will be able to determine a cause and solution. After breast implant surgery it is, in general, very important for patients to keep in touch with their surgeons and check in periodically.  If you have not been seen for a while please see your surgeon if you have change in any size, shape or feel of the breast.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about the problems you are experiencing. Yes, it sounds like it may be time for you to seek consultations with board-certified plastic surgeons in your area to discuss your concerns/goals. Some general thoughts may be helpful to you.Palpability and rippling of breast implants may be related to several factors. These include the amount of soft tissue and breast tissue coverage over the breast implants, the position of the breast implants (submuscular versus sub glandular), the type of implants (saline versus silicone), and the degree of overfilling of saline filled implants. Also, breast implant displacement problems (such as bottoming out or lateral displacement), which may be present in your case (based on your description), may play a role when it comes to increase breast implant rippling.
Generally, weight loss will extension weight any rippling/palpability of the implants. Deflation of saline implants will also increase the rippling/palpability of the implants.
Correction of the rippling may involve further surgery including implant pocket exchange if possible (sub glandular to submuscular), implant exchange if possible (saline to silicone), capsulorraphy (adjustment of the surrounding breast implant capsules to prevent displacement) and/or the use of allograft (acellular dermal matrix) to provide an additional layer of tissue between the implant and the patient's skin.   I have found this material to be very effective in improving breast implant rippling/palpability along the cleavage areas.  If the burning you are experiencing is related to a breast implant displacement problem, revisionary breast surgery may be helpful when it comes to improving or eliminating the discomfort. Sometimes, despite best efforts, pain may not be treatable surgically.
  Best wishes.

John W. Tyrone, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  The cause of your discomfort can be multifactorial.  You should phone your plastic surgeon and request an evaluation.  Rippling is generally related to thin skin and/or minimal breast tissue and can be more noticeable in patients with saline implants.  Your discomfort may be related to muscle soreness, nerve pain, scar tissue, or something more serious and should not be ignored. You should always feel comfortable reaching out to your surgeon's office for advice regarding your implants no matter how far you are post-operatively.  Good Luck!

Mahmood Kara, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello. Thank you for your inquiry.

It is important to have an in-person medical assessment regarding this issue as it is difficult to determine virtually. Continue to update your doctor in the matter and follow their post-op protocol.

Please note that this response does not substitute patient-doctor relationship. We welcome any and all patients seeking advice to come in for a complimentary consultation available for limited time only.

During the COVID-19, we are offering complimentary online consultations as well as in-office consultation with social distancing and masks. Procedure done in-hospital private surgical facility while taking covid-19 precautions. We utilize UV-light to clean the air of viruses and bacteria during our consultations and surgery. We invite you to come in to discuss your options more thoroughly. Please send us an email at info@drkaraplasticsurgery.com with the subject line: "Attention Meagan" and we will be happy to coordinate your appointment!

M.Kara,MD,FRCSC (27+ years experience) - Specializing in 24 hour recovery/ out to dinner breast augmentation in-hospital private surgical facility for your added safety and peace of mind

Should I see a doctor for rippling and burning pain in left breast after surgery 3 years ago?

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