6 months after explant and still experiencing pain - will this eventually subside?

Hi @woolty7, thanks for your question. In an Explantation it is very important to completely remove the capsule, when the capsule remains in the body it is not reabsorbed and it can generate inflammatory responses. It would also be necessary to perform a preventative biopsy of each capsule. I link you to a video on total capsuletomy that will shed some more light for you. For more information and recommendations, it is best that you consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon(s). Best regards.

Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS), Member of the International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science” (IFATS), Member of the Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery (SCCP).

Dear woolty7,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is 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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hello, thank you for your question. I'm truly sorry to hear about the ongoing pain and discomfort you're experiencing after your implant removal. It’s understandable to feel frustrated, especially when the pain affects your daily life. Please watch the video I have attached to discuss your question in detail.

Experiencing pain six months after explant surgery is not uncommon, but whether it will eventually subside depends on the underlying cause. Here are some potential reasons and what you might expect:
Common Causes of Pain After Explant Surgery
1. Healing Process:
o Nerve Regeneration: Nerves cut or stretched during surgery can cause tingling, numbness, or pain as they heal. This can take months to resolve.
o Scar Tissue Formation: Scar tissue (fibrosis) develops as part of healing and may sometimes lead to discomfort or restricted movement.
2. Muscle or Tissue Strain:
o Explant surgery can alter the position of muscles and tissues, causing strain or pain during the adjustment period.
3. Capsular Contracture:
o If the implant capsule was left intact or partially removed, scar tissue might still cause discomfort or tightness.
4. Residual Inflammation:
o Inflammation from the surgery or an unresolved issue, such as a minor infection, may contribute to prolonged pain.
5. Nerve Damage:
o Nerve damage during surgery could result in chronic pain or hypersensitivity in the chest area.
6. Complications:
o Rarely, complications like seroma (fluid buildup), hematoma (blood collection), or lingering infections might cause persistent discomfort.
Will the Pain Subside?
• Most Cases: Pain often diminishes over time as tissues and nerves heal completely. However, the timeline varies based on the individual, the surgical technique used, and any underlying issues.
• Chronic Pain: In rare cases, pain may persist due to nerve damage or scar tissue. Addressing these conditions may require additional treatments.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Contact your surgeon or a healthcare provider if:
• Pain is worsening or not gradually improving.
• You notice new symptoms, such as swelling, redness, fever, or drainage, which could indicate infection.
• The pain limits your daily activities or significantly impacts your quality of life.
Potential Treatments
• Physical Therapy: Can help improve mobility and reduce pain caused by muscle or tissue strain.
• Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs or nerve pain medications may provide relief.
• Scar Management: Treatments like massage, steroid injections, or laser therapy can address scar tissue-related pain.
• Surgical Revision: In rare cases, surgical removal of scar tissue or addressing other complications might be necessary.
While many individuals see improvement within a year, it's crucial to keep an open line of communication with your healthcare provider to monitor progress and address any concerns promptly.

I'm sorry to hear of the pain you are experiencing since your implant removal. It is unusual to feel a constant discomfort six months after surgery. I encourage you to visit with your surgeon for an evaluation. You may want to discuss pain medication options as well as non medicinal options based on the findings.