Can Costochondritis cause complications during surgery?

Question

I am having a BA in 2 weeks. I have not been diagnosed but believe that I have Costochondritis. I have done ECG, blood work, and ultrasound on my heart and everything turned out to be normal. 2 years ago I injured myself when I did some chest workouts and the pain never completely went away. I only feel the pain when I do certain movements (have not done any chest workouts since) I am getting a subglandular breast augmentation and I am wondering how will that impact my surgery?

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry, it is hard to predict, but two weeks is a long time.  An above the muscle implant I expect would have less concern then an under the muscle given your diagnosis, good luck.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Most cases of costochondritis have no apparent cause. In these cases, treatment focuses on easing your pain while you wait for costochondritis to resolve on its own. Symptoms of costochondritis should not cause implications during BA, but be sure to inform your board certified plastic surgeon of your past history with flareups during chest workouts.

Francis Johns, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.If the implants are being placed subglandular, this should not have anything to do with the pain you are already experiencing. Breast augmentation above the muscle is a pretty quick recovery, with minimal discomfort.

R. Clark Mooty, MD · Answer

Costochondritis should not be effected chronically with a breast augmentation. The pain may be increased initially after surgery but once appropriate time has passed after surgery the symptomatology should resolve or at the least return to baseline. I encourage you to seek consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon.

Best,

Dr. Mooty

Best,

Dr. Mooty

Christopher V. Pelletiere, MD · Answer

Having a breast augmentation should not cause an issue with your current situation.  It may aggravate it initially after surgery, but once everything is healing and settled, it really should not be an issue.  Make sure to discuss this with your board certified plastic surgeon so that they are aware.  I hope this helps.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear mbeti,
If you have costochondritis, then it would have no negative effect on your surgery results. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your excellent question.  Assuming all other causes have been ruled out then costochondritis alone will not complicate surgery.  It would be important to rule out a rib fracture or cartilage separation for your peace of mind.  Hope this helps.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

If truly costochondritis, there would be no issue getting breast augmentation. When concerned, always a good idea to be examined by your primary care physician.Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!
Thanks for the question and provided information as well.
Your condition does not prevent you from having plastic surgery now. In general, you need to be physically healthy and at a stable weight, have realistic expectations, be a non-smoker and your BMI needs to be 30 or less.
l recommend you to make an appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon to talk about your goals and anything you need to know.
Good luck :)

Olivier Deigni, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Costochondritis is not a contraindication for breast augmentation. Make sure your plastic surgeon is aware of your concerns prior to undergoing surgery.
Best wishes!
Olivier A. Deigni, MD, MPH
Houston Plastic Surgeon