Breast Augmenation Aches at 3 Years Post Op?

Question

I had BA (saline unders) 3 years ago. Lately my left implant has been "achey." It's not necessarily painful but it feels like someone pushing on a bruise. Almost a dull, aching feeling. The feeling isn't constant but my chest aches if I push my implant toward the center of my chest or upward. (I also get that vibration feeling like two balloons rubbing together). I believe it is my muscle over the implant that aches or ribs underneath, but am not sure. Any ideas on what this could be? Thank you!

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Discomfort 3 years after breast augmentation isn't typical.  You should see your surgeon and discuss what has been happening.

Michael Constantin Gartner, DO · Answer

I'd say that you should see your surgeon, because it could be something that needs medical attention.

Aaron Stone, MD · Answer

The most likely cause of your pain is capsular contracture. The only way to know for sure is for you to see a plastic surgeon and undergo a face to face examination. The usual treatment for this is removal of the implant and its surrounding capsule and placement of a new implant so that your body will make a new capsule. Hopefully one that does not cause pain.

Kimberly A. Henry, MD · Answer

PAIN IN YOUR BREASTS AFTER BREAST ENHANCEMENT CAN BE RELATED TO CAPSULAR CONTRACTURE, HORMONES, CHOCOLATE, CAFFEINE OR OTHER THINGS THAT SHOULD BE RULED OUT.

	MY RECOMMENDATION IS TO CONTACT YOUR SURGEON FOR AN EXAM TO DETERMINE POSSIBLE CAUSES.

	FOLLOWING A BREAST AUGMENTATION USUALLY THERE WILL BE SOME MILD DISCOMFORT THAT WILL LAST FOR THE FIRST 6 MONTHS TO ONE YEAR.  BUT ONCE THIS SUBSIDES MOST PATIENTS ARE COMFORTABLE UNLESS THERE IS FIRMNESS FROM SCAR TISSUE KNOWN AS CAPSULAR CONTRACTURE.  THIS IS CORRECTED BY PERFORMING SURGERY TO REMOVE THE SCAR TISSUE AND REPLACING THE IMPLANT.

	GOOD LUCK TO YOU

	 

	KIMBERLY HENRY M.D.

	SAN FRANCISCO CA

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Aching breasts three years after augmentation can be many things. The most likely is capsular contracture, but an exam would be necessary to rule out the different causes.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

I have seen this, most times it is self limiting but please obtain an examination ASAP for peace of mind. From MIAMI Dr. Darryl j. Blinski

Byron D. Poindexter, MD · Answer

You can't really go wrong by returning to see your original surgeon and get his or her opinion.  If that's not an option then seeing another board certified plastic surgeon is second best.

	What your are describing seems musculoskeletal since it gets worse with movement and pressure.  That could be exacerbated by scar tissue around the implant since that scar tissue is stuck to the underside of the muscle.

Stephen Delia, MD · Answer

Your symptoms are nonspecific and may be due to a number of problems either with the implants, scar tissue capsule contracture, fluid accumulation or perhaps even unrelated to the breast augmentation all together. I would suggest evaluation with your primary medical doctor and plastic surgeon.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

Three years after breast augmentation with a saline implant, breast aches or pains with movement or pressure suggests an injury or strain to the chest muscle. Sometimes it is difficult to recall a cause, though a strain is most likely. The rub or vibration feeling may indicate fluid within  the capsule around the implant. Rest the area with a snug bra, anti-inflammatory medication may help, and if problems persist see your surgeon to check things out.

	Best of luck,

	peterejohnsonmd

David L. Abramson, MD · Answer

Developing an ache in you breast 3 years after an augmentaion could be a sign of a capsular contracture. You should see you plastic surgeon and be evaluated for this. Massage is important in the post-operative period to helo minimize this.

Breast Augmenation Aches at 3 Years Post Op?

Answers (17)