Will breast implant removal help reduce or alleviate pain and inflammation due to costochondritis?

When it comes to resolution of pain with breast implant removal its difficult to predict the future. If other sources for the pain have been ruled out, and the pain is consistent with something that can be caused by implants, then implant removal is a reasonable option. In your case it certainly sounds possible that the implants are causing stress on your pec where it attaches to the sternum. Of course, without examining you or seeing photos it's difficult to give specific advice. I would suggest having an in-person consultation by a local breast implant revision expert to be properly assessed. Hope that helps! 

Thank you for your question. This is a touch one to answer as no one can really be for sure. It is possible that removing the implant might help. The only way to know for sure is to remove it and see but prior to that, I would make sure you rule out all other possible causes and any other treatment options before proceeding with surgery.Hope this helps!Dallas R. Buchanan, MD, FACSOwner & Board-Certified Plastic SurgeonVIVIFY plastic surgery

Thank you for sharing your question.  Had the pain been present for the full 4 years an issue like costochondritis is possible and removal may help.  As it has only been more recent, I would recommend a workup with your PCP and surgeon to find an appropriate diagnosis so that the best treatment can be recommended.

Difficult to say for sure. However, a thorough workup with diagnostic testing may be indicated before removal of the implants. This may be the only way to definitively determine if the implants are the cause of the pain.

Thank you for your post. It is possible and likely that your pain will be improved. However, this cannot be guaranteed. For best results, it is best to see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for a detailed discussion and review prior to surgery. Hope this helps.Benjamin J. Cousins MD Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Miami,FL

Based on your description, it is quite likely that the symptoms will improve with breast implant removal surgery. As you can imagine however no one can predict exactly (and/or to what degree) your symptoms will resolve once breast implants are removed. Best to meet with a few well experienced board-certified plastic surgeons to discuss your concerns/options. Best wishes.

It is not possible to say if removal or your implants will improve the symptoms you mentioned.  If you are wanting your implants removed then you can do so at any time.  If you'd rather keep them in but are concerned about the symptoms you've been experiencing you may wish to visit with your doctor to determine possible causes.

I'm sorry to hear you are experiencing that symptom. It's a tough call because it would be impossible to promise you that implant removal would take away your pain. It makes sense that it should help, and you could always have the implants replaced at a later date if you missed the look of them. Implant removal is generally a straightforward procedure. I'd suggest starting with your surgeon for an evaluation. Perhaps some additional testing is tried before proceeding with surgery? Best wishes

Dear Krista,
Hello and thank you for your excellent question. Many patients have symptomatic breast implants. It really is not possible to know if removing them will alleviate your symptoms, until they are actually taken out for good.  When they are out, you may want to consider a breast lift to restore your breast shape. You should be evaluated for a No-Vertical-Scar breast lift with auto-augmentation technique. There are a number of no-vertical scar breast lift techniques, but my preferred technique is the Bellesoma Breast Lift technique. Our technique provides an exceptional breast lift, upper pole fullness, relief from neck and back pain, and no vertical breast lift scar. It uses a woman’s OWN breast tissue to produce an internal suspension technique and breast augmentation, without the need for a breast implant. It does not disturb the nipple, areola, or breast glands, so sensation and the ability to lactate is preserved. It uses 3D scanning of your breasts and body to design a procedure specifically designed for YOU, and you alone. Finally, for patients who desire breast enlargement, it can be combined with fat grafting. It is best to answer your question during a face-to-face evaluation, when you can discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure, and you can have a physical examination to evaluate for that procedure. Preoperative visualization with Crisalix can simulate what your body will look like after surgery and can help you make your decision. I recommend that you find a board-certified, or board-eligible plastic surgeon with whom you are comfortable. Be sure to have all of your questions answered during a face-to-face meeting with your surgeon, and review before and after pictures of similar patients whom have had this procedure. Good luck!

Best,

Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS

Harvard educated plastic surgeon

Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Texas “Top Doc” 2017, 2018

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America’s Top Plastic Surgeons, Consumer’s Research Council, 2010 – 2018

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