Very Painful Right Breast with Implant 4 years postop - what could this be?

Hi & thanks for your question. Reach out to your surgeon to have your breasts examined. He or she can order any testing that is needed, if needed. Best wishes

Hello @ashleyyamore thank you for your question. it is essential to talk to your specialist. A little message or a phone call is not a bad thing because suddenly you can detect something that is going on and that at a certain moment can be controlled quickly in an early diagnosis. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD FACS

Thank you for sharing your question. I would recommend scheduling an in-office appointment with your surgeon or a board certified surgeon in your area to get the appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Dear ashleyyamore,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Experiencing significant pain in one breast several years after breast augmentation surgery could be concerning and may warrant further evaluation by a healthcare provider. Here are some potential reasons for your symptoms:
1. Capsular contracture: Capsular contracture occurs when the scar tissue (capsule) that naturally forms around the breast implant tightens and contracts, causing the breast to feel firm, distorted, and painful. Severe cases of capsular contracture can lead to significant discomfort and may require corrective surgery.
2. Implant rupture: Although cohesive silicone gel implants are designed to maintain their integrity, rupture can still occur. If an implant ruptures, it may cause pain, changes in breast shape, or asymmetry. Silicone implant rupture may not always be immediately noticeable, but it can lead to inflammation and discomfort over time.
3. Infection: Infections around breast implants, such as capsulitis or implant-related infections, can cause pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected breast. Infections may occur shortly after surgery or years later, and they require prompt medical attention.
4. Implant malposition or displacement: If the breast implant shifts from its original position or becomes malpositioned (e.g., bottoming out, lateral displacement), it can cause discomfort or pain due to pressure on surrounding tissues.
5. Muscle or nerve issues: Pain in the breast could be related to muscular strain, nerve irritation, or other soft tissue problems unrelated to the implant itself.
6. Other potential causes: Other less common causes of breast pain post-breast augmentation surgery include hematoma (blood collection), seroma (fluid accumulation), or unrelated breast conditions such as mastitis or cysts.
It's important to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon if you're experiencing persistent or severe pain in your breast with an implant. They can perform a thorough evaluation, which may include physical examination, imaging studies (such as ultrasound or MRI), and possibly diagnostic tests, to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment options. Prompt medical attention is crucial to address any potential complications and ensure the long-term health and well-being of your breast implants.

Common things are common. Breast pain after implants is much more likely to be a common problem such as capsular contracture or even musculoskeletal pain, particularly if you have been quite active recently. Cancer tends not to cause significant discomfort like this. Wear a supportive bra day and night for a few days and take some anti-inflammatory painkillers and see if things settle. If not, or if the breast becomes swollen, hot or red, then seek advice from a plastic surgeon for a proper assessment. Best of luck

I'm sorry to hear of the discomfort you are experiencing. This situation needs to be evaluated in person by either your surgeon or who you see for breast health. It's not possible to make a recommendation beyond that without more information.

This is a questions that requires a physical exam to answer.
If you have any fever or redness, seek out a Plastic Surgeon immediately.
It could be nerve pain, over exertion within the past day before the pain started etc. Too many possibilities. Cancer most commonly is painless.
Return to your implanting surgeon for their evaluation. Until then, take Motrin or Advil to see if it alleviates some of the tenderness.
Best of luck.
Dr. T

I would suggest being checked by a physician and possibly getting a mammogram or ultrasound. You may have developed a capsule.

Anytime you feel,see anything firm or lumpy, you need to consider getting a mammogram to evaluate the mass to determine what it is. It could be capsular contracture, scar tissue that forms around your implant, it could be fat necrosis from a small fat particle that died, fibrocystic lesions that are common when you are younger, or something abnormal or atypical. Please consider a consultation with a breast specialist.