Why Would I Start Feeling Pain Around One Implant 2 Years Post-Op?

There are two possiblities to explain pain that develops months or years after breast imlants:


Pain can be due to muscle spasms or cramping with increased activity or irritation.  This will occure during or after increased activity of the muscle including exercision.

Pain and tightness can also signify the development of a capsular contracture.  This is more likely to be a more constant pain, independent of physical activity.


Both are more likely to happen on only one side and not both.

To fully answer your question I'd need to know the specifics of your surgery.  If your implants are under your muscle then it's normal to have occasions of muscle pain, twanks, or other discomfort.  This is typically on one side.  The best way to prove that your pain is muscle related put your hand on your hip on the side that's hurting you and push against your hip.  Feel the muscle tht's tightening from your armpit on that side down toward your breast.  If you grab that muscle down toward your breast and squeeze it you will recognize that same pain.  If this isn't the case then your issue may be one of several other that are a bit unusual at this point, but possible.  The other that can cause one sided pain is capsule contracture...a hardening/tightening of the normal scar tissue that surrounds your implant.  This will make the implant on that side feel a bit firmer than the other.

In general, these are questions that your plastic surgeon should be able to answer.  If your plastic surgeon is unsure then a second opinion never hurts!  Good luck!  Scott Newman, MD FACS