Found sudden lump at breast implant incision. What could it be? (Photo)

Question

I am exactly 2 years post op breast implant, incision under breast, today I felt with my hand a hard mass alond the incision line, which hasn't been there before.....I took pictures of the swelling.....It doesn't hurt or itch....I think it's new because I would have felt it otherwise. Does it mean the incision will open up, is it puss that needs to be drained? I am running to the ER but woudl like to know what it is, perhaps you can see from the photos? Please help as I am absolutely worried!

Ram Kalus, MD, FACS · Answer

I agree with my other colleagues. From the photos it does not appear that your incision is in imminent danger, but a new lump needs to be evaluated either by your surgeon, or a qualified breast surgeon, OBGYN, or internist/family doctor. This could be many things, including an insect bite. If the physical examination does not provide enough information, an ultrasound or mammogram or even MRI might be indicated, but your doctor should be able to make the right determination after examining you. Best of luck.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. The best option would be to contact your surgeon and make an appointment to see him/ her. The area of concern could be completely unrelated to the surgery, consider other reasons this could be happening. Best,

Joseph L. Grzeskiewicz, MD, FACS · Answer

There are a number of things that could cause something like this, and without a physical exam it will be impossible to determine what it could be.  While I think that it's good that you are getting this evaluated promptly, I don't think you should panic and race into the ER necessarily.  You need to be evaluated by a surgeon who is familiar with this kind of surgery, and if it isn't your original surgeon (preferred, always), it should be someone with similar credentials and experience.  Good luck.

Thomas M. DeWire Sr., MD (retired) · Answer

Lovestar,        Direct physical exam is important for an issue like this, but in the photo the process looks very superficial, and more like an insect or spider bite, than an internal or subcutaneous process. The swelling around the central bump is also consistent, as is the firmness in the skin in the area of swelling.  You should let your surgeon know about this if the ER cannot reconcile it, and post a note later about how this is resolved.  I hope that this helps.      Best wishes,     Tom DeWire, MD, FACS     Richmond, VA

Found sudden lump at breast implant incision. What could it be? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Looks like an insect bite

Answer: Looks like an insect bite

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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Found sudden lump at breast implant incision. What could it be? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Looks like an insect bite

Answer: Looks like an insect bite

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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.