Can breast implant cause costochondritis? I went form A cup to a D cup, can going smaller relief my pain? (photos)

Question

I got implants 2 years ago and for the past year I have been feeling pain on my chest. My pcp diagnosed me with costochondritis. Before my surgery I didn't have this pain it has been getting more frequent. Also i am very petite (5ft 95b) and after my surgery (axillary saline 230cc left, and 260cc right breast) I am now able to move my breast up and down with my pectoral muscles, sometimes unintentionally. Can this be the reason? Will getting silicon and going smaller help?

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Breast implants themselves do not cause costochondritis, though surgery initially to place them may.  It appears that you did well for a year before your symptoms developed and I would hazard something else may have caused your discomfort, such as a trauma/accident or exercise routine.  Speak to your plastic surgeon and ask for an in-person evaluation to ensure your implants are not the cause.  Hope this helps.

Adam J. Oppenheimer, MD, FACS · Answer

I've not heard of costochondritis from breast implants. Implant movement is common with unders, and that's one of the drawbacks of doing unders. I use a dual plane technique which releases the pec muscle more and decreases animation. Your implants are not overly large, even though you are petite, and are unlikely to be causing symptoms.

Rigo J. Mendoza, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I don't think the implants caused the costochondritis, but if you went from an A cup to a D and the implants are under the muscle, it can certainly add to the discomfort.  If you don't like the breasts moving when you flex your muscles, then the best option is to switch to silicone implants above the muscle.  You should talk to your PS and see if this is a feasible option for you.

Scott Thellman, MD · Answer

If your breasts are soft, then I think it is unlikely that the cause of your pain is the implants.  However, if the breasts are becoming progressively firmer then you could be experiencing a capsular contracture.  Contractures can cause localized pain and occasionally will develop years after implantation.  If you think this may be the case I would suggest you return to see your plastic surgeon for an evaluation.  If there is no capsular contracture then I don't think  switching to silicone implants or changing the size would change your symptoms.

Can breast implant cause costochondritis? I went form A cup to a D cup, can going smaller relief my pain? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Are the breasts still soft?

Answer: Are the breasts still soft?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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Can breast implant cause costochondritis? I went form A cup to a D cup, can going smaller relief my pain? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Are the breasts still soft?

Answer: Are the breasts still soft?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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