Pain in armpit and hardened implant 6 years after breast augmentation when lifting weights. What can be causing this?

Hello, thank you for your question. Its difficult to say what happened in your case without a proper examination. I would speak to your plastic surgeon for an assessment and if the implants are safe and this is just a musculoskeletal issue then they can refer to you the right physician. Until then rest the area until it is figured out. Happy Holidays!

Thank you for your question regarding pain in your armpit and hardened implants.

I would recommend following up with your plastic surgeon about your concerns. If you are experiencing a hardened implant, you could possibly have a capsular contracture. Your plastic surgeon will be able to assess you for this at an in person appointment.

Hope this helps!

Dear Kimberlytingley,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went 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, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

You may have developed a capsule that is most noticeable when you are using your muscle and lifting weights. Or, the implant may have torn through the capsule is and is pushing more on the muscle. I would suggest letting a plastic surgeon check you.

I'm sorry to hear of the issue you had with your implant. It may be simply muscle related in the form of a pull or strain, but it is best to rule out a capsular contracture. Begin by visiting with your plastic surgeon. She/He can direct you if it turns out to be unrelated to your implants.

Hi Kimberlytingley, excellent question. It's hard to answer it without more history. The way you're describing it, sounds like your implant is submuscular? If it's not under the muscle, then it causing pain with lifting is unlikely. If the breast implant itself feels hard, especially on one side, it may be an unrelated issue to exercise called capsular contracture (or scar tissue around your implant). I would see your plastic surgeon to evaluate. He/she may refer you to a different doctor based on the exam and more history.

Greetings,
It is time to return to your plastic surgeon for an evauation and consultation. The history you presented is suggestive that you do have a capsular contracture as a component of your pain and harder implant on the side of your lifting injury. You may have or may have not seen swelling and or bruising at that time. There is no substitute for an examination to help you discuss your options.
Best Regards,

Hi and welcome to our forum!
Without the benefit of an examination, I can only speak in the theoretic. This could represent a muscular injury (strain or sprain) from lifting weights or a capsular contracture of the breast. A capsular contracture will make the breast feel tight and firm and in severe instances may be associated with pain. It will not abate after cessation of exercise. A sprain or strain may cause muscle spasm which will be relieved after cessation of the offending exercise. Is there any persisting breast deformity? If yes, see a board certified plastic surgeon. If the breasts are otherwise normal and the pain doesn't abate after several weeks of rest, see a sports medicine physician or orthopedic surgeon.
Best wishes...