Is chest pain a symptom of encapsulated/hard implants?

Question

Implants were done in 1972, they are encapsulated but no symptoms. Now I am getting intermittent chest pain on one side. Cardiologist ruled out heart problem with stress tests. Is this a usual/normal symptom of encapsulation? Will an MRI be a diagnostic tool for this?

Asif Pirani, MD, FRCS(C) · Answer

Pain can be a symptom of a capsular contracture.  You should see your PS and also see your PCP to rule out other possible causes of chest pain.

Christopher J. Davidson, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, pain can be a symptom of the most severe encapsulation or capsular contracture.  This can be fixed often with a capsulectomy and implant replacement.

Joshua Cooper, MD, FACS · Answer

- After a breast implant is placed, the body makes scar tissue around the implant, and this normal scar tissue is called a capsule.

- Sometimes this capsule can become abnormally thickened and hard, and this is called a "capsular contracture."   If the capsular contracture becomes severe, it may cause distortion of the affected breast.  Additionally, a severe capsular contracture can also cause breast or chest discomfort.

- An MRI is useful to evaluate whether or not a silicone implant has leaked.  Additionally, it may also demonstrate if you have a calcified capsule, which may cause discomfort.  
Although not all patients with capsular contractures will have pain, some will have pain, and it is possible that your pain is caused by a capsular contracture.

- I would recommend that you meet with a board certified plastic surgeon to be examined and you can also discuss options with him/her.

-Best of luck to you!

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Capsular contraction can cause pain.  Since you have had an appropriate workup for cardiac problems I suggest you consult a board certified plastic surgeon for an examination and evaluation.

Michael S. Hopkins, MD (retired) · Answer

I am glad you have been seen and evaluated by a cardiologist to rule out a heart problem.  Long standing encapsulation can have pain symptoms associated with the implant and the scar.  It would be uncommon for the symptoms to be in an area separate from the implant.An MRI can sometimes help determine if an implant is ruptured, but it likely will be of little benefit in showing whether encapsulation is causing your pain symptoms.  It is in your best interest to be evaluated by a plastic surgeon who will be able to help sort out whether the encapsulation is the cause of your symptoms.  Good luck.

Is chest pain a symptom of encapsulated/hard implants?

Answers (5)

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