How bad can a capsular contracture hurt?

Dear ShawnCarla, The type of breast pain that you are experiencing is not normal. Your intense pain could be capsular contracture. It could also be a rupture of your breast implant. If you have silicone implants, this could be concerning. If you have silicone implants and there is a silicone leak, silicone may have migrated to the bottom of the breast. That is perhaps why you are having more pain on the underside of the breast. Either way, I would consult with your board-certified plastic surgeon. You should not ignore this pain. At minimum, I would get an ultrasound. More extensive workup could include a mammogram or an MRI. Often this medical workup is covered under most insurance plans. Often, breast capsulectomy and removal of breast implants are also covered benefits by most medical insurance plans. Good luck. Sincerely, Dr.Katzen

Abnormal capsules can cause all sorts of atypical pain so its not unlikely it could be responsible for your discomfort. As always it would be best to go see your surgeon as well as possibly treating the capsule earlier then later.

Capsular contracture occurs when the capsule surrounding the implant becomes thickened, firm and possibly calcified. In addition because it is spherical to begin with, as it contracts it becomes an even smaller sphere distorting the implant to a round, ball shape. The pulling of the capsule on the surrounding healthy breast tissue is what causes the pain. In addition the capsule can crack with significant pressure or torque on it. One that that doesn't happen is the implant moving around. There is so much pressure on the implant that it is quite stationary. So you can wait without doing any additional damage but is the pain really worth it? Be sure you do your due diligence and see several board certified plastic surgeons in your area in consultation.

Capsular pain can come in many different forms and each patient's experience may be different. Best to be seen in person.

Sometimes capsules are really sore.Are you a professional weight lifter? You said your career depends on you being able to lift weights. If you don't need to lift weights for your work and it makes your breast hurt, stop. If your implants are under the muscle, you can get pain just from a muscle strain.The implants do not twist around in the pocket, so you can be relieved about that.If your pain is intolerable, unrelievable, and constant, you may want to move up your date for surgery. Have a discussion with your surgeon if this is the caseAthletes sometimes want to push the envelop on recovery. Don't be tempted. You will possibly create problems and mother nature won't take a joke.Best of luck!!

You may have torn the capsule or your muscle during your workout. Either could be extremely painful. Contact your surgeon immediately and do not lift weights until you are examined.