I got breast implants 2 years ago. I feel a lump on my left breast and I'm worried

Hello!

You should get the lump checked out by a physician without delay. It could be related to the implants or may be an issue related to the breast tissue. You may need imaging to better diagnose what is going on.

Good luck!

Whenever a woman notices a new breast mass it is always prudent to see a physician to be evaluated.I'd recommend either seeing your plastic surgeon or primary care physician.  They will perform a physical examination and then set up any imaging studies such as mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI, if needed.Don't put this off any longer!Thanks for sharing!

Hello and thank you for posting your question! I know the stress that can be caused when any woman finds a lump in their breast that wasn't there before. It can be scary and I have seen/heard of women putting off seeing their doctor because deep down they are scared. I think the most important thing in this situation is to be evaluated by either your OB/Gyn or even your plastic surgeon and to set up the appointment today! They may recommend further imaging like a mammogram, ulstrasound or MRI. The bottom line however, is that you need to be evaluated by a physician who knows how to do breast exams and knows how to proceed when a lump is found. As I stated before, please do not put this off! I hope this helps and I wish you the best of luck!Ankur Mehta MD

Lumps are always worrisome because they can be due to a multitude
of things, some which are serious, some which are not. All new lumps should be
treated with suspicion.

Lumps can start to develop due to significant capsular contracture
in which case you require a capsulectomy, or even if a silicone implant has
ruptured. If there was a rupture, and the parts of the implant broke off, it
may feel like a lump and this may have to be diagnosed using an MRI.

The breast lump like the one
you're describing could also possibly be a ripple in the implant shell that is
appearing now because your breast skin is thinning allowing the implant to be
palpable.

Alternatively, and less
likely, it could be a benign or cancerous breast mass, and this is why every
suspicious mass should be evaluated and properly biopsied.

Without pictures, and in-person exam, no conclusive diagnosis can
be made.

Please visit a
board-certified plastic surgeon, preferably your first surgeon who has your
medical and family history, to have a breast evaluation, and if there is
something suspicious, a mammogram may be needed. I urge you to not wait, and set up an
in-person follow-up with your surgeon sooner than later.

Take care

I appreciate your question.



Since there has been a change in your post op course, please contact your surgeon so he/she can examine you and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan at this time.The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.



Best of luck!



Dr. Schwartz



Board Certified Plastic Surgeon



#RealSelf100Surgeon



#RealSelfCORESurgeon

I always tell my patients to follow up with me first if they notice any new change in their breasts. In my experience, 99 times out of 100 the patient is feeling a part of the implant. It could be a fold or a valve or even the implant edge. If it is obviously implant I can reassure my patients and send them on their way. If it is not implant, then I send them on for breast imaging. This could be fibrocystic changes, a benign tumor or cancer. I am happy to quarterback this evaluation for my patients and I am sure your surgeon would be as well.  We know what an implant feels like and can evaluate that better than your primary care doctor and we can also order appropriate imaging where necessary. Start with a call to your surgeon.  

Thank you for your question.While the lump is likely to be nothing of concern, any new breast mass/lump/lesion needs to be evaluated by a medical professional.  I recommend you contact your plastic surgeon or primary care physician for an in-person examination urgently.Best,Dr. Dan KrochmalMAE Plastic SurgeryNorthbrook, IL

Any breast lump should be evaluated in person. You are best to go to your surgeon  to be seen in person.