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

Question

I have had 300cc high profile, silicone implants under the muscle for 4 years. For the last 2 years, I have had inconsistent but recurring pain in my sternum. It also sometimes feels like the muscle is pulling too far from my sternum. I have not been diagnosed with costochondritis but it does seem consistent with my symptoms.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

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.

Mathew A. Plant, MD, FRCSC · Answer

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!

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

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

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

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.

Thomas Trevisani, MD · Answer

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.

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

Answers (5)