Pain underneath breasts when not wearing bra. Any idea what could be causing this?

Question

I had an uplift with implants 5 months ago and all seemed to have gone well, my issue is the sharp paid I feel when my breast are not supported by a bra. It is by the under part of my breast and it seems to go quite hard as well all as the bottom. Any idea what is causing this? When I put a bra on and wait a few hours the area has gone soft again to touch

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Exquisite25196,
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

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Without knowing more about your surgery and how you've been progressing through recovery it is difficult to give an opinion.  It may be that the bra is providing support and that when that support is removed that the weight of breasts causes discomfort.   If it continues return to your surgeon for an evaluation.

James Knoetgen, III, MD · Answer

Thanks for sharing those details! Given that you had a breast uplift with implants just 5 months ago, a few things could be contributing to the sharp pain and hardness you're experiencing under your breasts when not wearing a bra:
1.	Post-surgical healing and scar tissue — It’s common for the tissues to still be healing and forming scar tissue at this stage. Scar tissue can sometimes feel firm or hard, and may cause some sharp or pulling sensations, especially when the breasts aren’t supported.
2.	Implant positioning and support — Without a bra, the implants and breast tissue may be placing more tension or strain on the skin, muscle, or the surgical area. This can lead to discomfort and firmness, which improves when the bra supports the breasts.
3.	Inflammation or mild swelling — Even months after surgery, there can be some lingering inflammation that makes the tissue feel harder or tender.
4.	Capsular contracture (early stage) — This is when the scar tissue around the implant tightens and hardens. It usually develops over time, but early signs might include localized firmness and discomfort.
5.	Muscle or ligament strain — Since the breast tissue and implants are heavier, lack of support might cause strain on the chest muscles or Cooper’s ligaments (which support the breast), causing pain.
What you should do next
•	Wear a supportive bra consistently for now, especially during the day, to keep the breasts supported and reduce pain.
•	Gentle massage and stretching as advised by your surgeon might help reduce firmness, but only do this if your surgeon has approved it.
•	Monitor symptoms: If the pain worsens, becomes constant, or if you notice redness, swelling, fever, or lumps, reach out to your plastic surgeon promptly.
•	Follow-up with your surgeon: Since this is 5 months post-op, it’s important to get a check-up to rule out complications like early capsular contracture or implant issues.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

an examination is needed to be certain, but I suspect the pain occurs when your implants are not being supported by the bra. I imagine your lower breast tissue has thinned because of the implants.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

A lot of women have on and off breast pain that can come and go.
We can’t really make an assessment on the outcome of your procedure or try to decipher why you are having breast discomfort.
Breast pain is not something plastic surgeons are very good at managing.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

Pain underneath breasts when not wearing bra. Any idea what could be causing this?

Answers (5)

Answer: Implants

Answer: Implants

Answer: Pain when not wearing a bra

Answer: Pain when not wearing a bra

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Pain underneath breasts when not wearing bra. Any idea what could be causing this?

Answers (5)

Answer: Implants

Answer: Implants

Answer: Pain when not wearing a bra

Answer: Pain when not wearing a bra

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift with Implants

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