Why is my right breast sore and harder than my left one?

One of the most common problems is breast capsular #contracture or the development of thickening, and contracture of the capsule that exists around the breast implants. Severe capsule contracture probably occurs in less than 15% of augmentation patients. Every woman has a breast capsule around their implant and this is a normal phenomenon. The capsule itself could be as thin as Saran Wrap but may also become calcified and thickened. As it thickens and shrinks, the patient may develop a feeling a firmness of the breasts and in its worst situation, the breast may become painful and abnormal in appearance, achieving a very round, hard, and uneven appearance. There may be distortion and possible breakage and leakage of an older implant, but may also include a newer #implant. Nicotine users, such as smokers, have up to a 30x increased risk of #capsular contracture.
Saline implants may deflate spontaneously. When the patient has significant #symptoms, complete or partial leakage of their saline implant, or concerns regarding silicone leakage, it is recommended that the implant is removed and exchanged. Frequently, this is performed on both sides depending upon the age of the implant. Capsulotomy or opening of the capsule may be required or frequently capsulectomy, which is removal of the scarred capsule, is recommended to ensure adequate pocket dimensions.
New implants may then be placed in the same existing position or may undergo a change of #placement frequently from submammary to subpectoral position and, on occasion, the other way around.

At 9
months after breast augmentation, your breasts shouldn’t be sore. By now the
implants should have settled and feel soft to the touch. The firmness you are
experiencing could be an early sign of capsular contracture. You should
schedule a follow-up appointment with your plastic surgeon. Be sure to note when
the soreness and firmness developed and any changes in your breast prior to the
appointment. If you have any other questions and concerns about your breast
augmentation, start a list to help you remember everything and make the most
out of your appointment.

In this time frame, your breasts are becoming uneven as far as there firmness, you should return to see your plastic surgeon. This can be a sign of capsular contracture. Any breast implant is going to form a scar around it which normally is soft and pliable. In some cases, that scar capsule can become firm, contracting, and constricting. In worst case scenario is this can mean a surgical revision to dissect and loosen that scar. There are other options such as massage and potentially, medications to lessen this. Your first step is to visit with your surgeon to determine if this is actually the case.Best of luck!Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

Hello, I would recommend returning to your plastic surgeon so that they can evaluate you and give more specific advice. Potentially things could be capsular contracture, subclinical infection, fluid or blood around the implant, or nothing as you could have overdone some activities and have muscle soreness and maybe mild swelling. Follow up with your PS. 

Thank you for your question. Unfortunately without a series of photographs or more details of your symptoms it is difficult to offer advice.  By nine months most of your breast augmentation pain should have resolved and it would be important to rule out other causes such as a capsular contracture that may also be contributing to your breast hardness.  It would also be useful to know if these symptoms have recently developed or been present since surgery.  See your plastic surgeon in consultation, they are your best resource since they know how your recovery has been up until this point.  

You should arrange a review with your plastic surgeon to determine the cause of your discomfort.  Many factors could be causing your discomfort.  Have you done anything unusual or changed your level of activity?  Its also possible that you are experiencing capsular contracture so a review is essential to rule out any concerns.

Everyone recovers differently and it really depends on what kind of augmentation you had and if the same thing was done on both sides. Sometimes increased activity with one arm more than the other can lead to unmasking new pain. If the breast looks different and feels differnt is it is important to maintain follow up with your doctor and have your concerns addressed in person as well. Best of luck, MMT

Thank you for your question. I'm sorry that you are having soreness and firmness in your breast. At this point, both of your breasts should be settled and soft. What you are experiencing could be a sign of capsular contracture. I suggest that you follow-up with your plastic surgeon with an in person exam.

Sorry to hear you're experiencing hardness and pain in one of your breasts. At this point, both breasts should be soft - if the implant feels more firm, and you're having some soreness, you may be in the early stages of capsular contracture. This is a process where the capsule that forms around the implant becomes more firm and gradually tightens - there are various stages based on a patient's symptoms. The most mild form is some general firmness and tightness; the most severe form is where the breast is constantly painful and distorted. Usually, it is a progressive process, and most times it needs to be corrected surgically - by excising the capsule and replacing the implant. Your best bet is to visit with your Plastic Surgeon and to make sure that this process isn't happening. Or, if it is, to make sure you nip it in the bud sooner rather than later. Best of luck!