Lower rib cage pain 7 years after my breast augmentation - what could be causing this?

Question

I had breast implants put in 7 years ago. I noticed a few years back that i would get random burning pain in my left rib cage area near the bottom. What could be causing this. No shift in implant or any other trama.

Celal Alioglu, MD · Answer

hello you need to go your sergeon and do check up your breast maybe implants makes some discomfortness.

Derek Fletcher, MD · Answer

Rib pain after breast augmentation can happen for several reasons. Implants tend to place more stress on the lowest quadrants of the breast and chest wall due to the effects of gravity and typical human movement. The lower edge of the implant can irrigate the covering of the rib (perichondrium or periosteum depending on location, medial vs lateral rib) or the intercostal muscle (muscle between the ribs). Larger implants have a greater capacity to irritate the rib or muscle due to the additional mass of the device. In addition, for some people, ribs 5-7 can flair forward, which can concentrate the irritation into a smaller area making the symptoms worse, more frequent, or both. Treatment focuses on implant support with a fitted bra and anti inflammatory medications like ibuprofen. Hope this helps and thank you for your question.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It is difficult to say if the pain you are experiencing is related to your implants or is something else entirely.  You can consider scheduling a visit with your surgeon to evaluate the area.  You could also speak with your primary care doctor about the discomfort.

George Bitar, MD · Answer

Without knowing more details and performing an examination, it would be hard to determine the cause of your pain.  It may or may not be related to your implants.  Burning pain suggests that the pain is caused by nerve irritation.  It would be helpful to keep a diary of your pain and keep track to see if there is anything that is causing the pain, whether it goes anywhere else, if there are any other symptoms associated, and treatments you have tried.  I would recommend seeing your plastic surgeon to ensure that your implants are not contributing to your pain.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Klankford24,
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

Lower rib cage pain 7 years after my breast augmentation - what could be causing this?

Answers (5)