Did I tear the capsule around my implant?

Question

During yoga I felt a severe burning pain. Since then I have had extreme pain on my lateral and lower side of my left breast I had implants about a year-and-a-half ago. Did I tear my capsule? And will it heal on its own? . . (Before the pain at yoga I had a bulge on my lateral left side. Since then the Bulge is gone.) . My plastic surgeon said it was similar to a 'hernia'

Jaime Perez, MD · Answer

Do you recall hearing a pop before the burning pain? It is possible you tore your capsule, especially if your breast was firmer before and is now softer. It sounds like your surgeon was also not too worried about this and called it a popped capsule as well. The intense burning sensations come from the muscles being torn and stretched. It should heal on its own - to be safe I would get another opinion by calling your plastic surgeons office and asking how he recommends you to treat it as you heal. Best of luck! Jaime Perez, MDBreast Augmentation SpecialistPlastic Surgery Center of Tampa

William Albright, MD · Answer

Hello michiganbev,
This sounds like a stretch in the implant capsule, and likely some tearing of the pectoralis muscle fibers causing pain (assuming your implants are below the muscle).  Usually patients will feel this pain along the outside lower border of the breast where the leading edge of the pectoralis fibers are along their chest wall origin.  Typically patients will treat this like a "pulled muscle", with some limited activities and possibly warm compresses and/or NSAIDs as needed for comfort.  It should get better with time.  If not, then it is time to follow up with your plastic surgeon.  Good luck.
ABPS board certified plastic surgeon

James Fernau, MD, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It is common to have small tears in the capsule even up to 1 to 2 years after surgery.  This usually occurs with strenuous exercise. Yoga is a very strenuous exercise.  The tear may have temporarily caused the bulge and then healed on its own.  That is why the bulge is now gone.  Make sure you keep seeing your primary surgeon and have the area evaluated thoroughly and frequently. Best wishes in your recovery!

Sincerely,

James Fernau, MD, FACS

Board Certified ENT

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Member of ASPS, ASAPS, ISAPS, The Rhinoplasty Society, AAFPRS, OTO/HNS, ASLMS

Elliot Duboys, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Was your breast hard before the incident?  Did it get softer?  If I hear two yes's I'd assume that your tore your capsule.  Many years ago, when we had capsular contractures, the surgeon would firmly squeeze your breast until there was a pop.  The original article written in the plastic surgery journal describing closed capsulotomy in the 70's related to a football player giving his girlfriend a squeeze.  She heard a pop and then her breasts were softer!

Did I tear the capsule around my implant?

Answers (4)

Answer: Listen to your plastic surgeon

Answer: Listen to your plastic surgeon

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Did I tear the capsule around my implant?

Answers (4)

Answer: Listen to your plastic surgeon

Answer: Listen to your plastic surgeon

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Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.