46 year old with 13 year old implants. Moderate to severe Pain (Photo)

Question

Unsure of capsular contracture. Annual mam due to cancer risk. Development of swelling on left side of arm pit. PC referred me for ultrasound 2x. Told that the swelling was probably just fat and that I just needed to lose weight. I was also told that the pain was due to stress. The pain has become intolerable. Accompanied by intermittent burning and itching. Impossible to do a mamm. without collapsing in pain. I DO NOT care about appearance. I want the pain to end.

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @NiomiZ, I don't see a question. However, pain, burning, itching, and swelling are not symptoms to be ignored.  You should consider talking with a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in breast implant removal, more scpecific explantation and capsular contracture. You may need additional imaging studies such as MRI to further evaluate the state of the implants and surrounding tissues. If you've been experiencing intolerable pain, it's possible that capsular contracture or another issue related to the implants is at play. In such a case, explantation understood as breast implant removal and total capsulectomy may be considered as a way to alleviate your symptoms. To shed more light on this, I have attached a video. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science” Member (IFATS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP).

Shaher W. Khan, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. I'm sorry to hear that you're experiencing such significant discomfort and frustration with your current situation. It sounds very challenging, especially with your history of cancer risk and the recent developments. I have attached a video that details your question specifically in detail. You deserve to have your pain taken seriously and to find effective solutions to improve your quality of life. Don’t hesitate to advocate for yourself and push for the necessary evaluations and treatments that address both your physical and emotional well-being. If necessary, bringing a friend or family member to appointments for support can also help ensure your concerns are heard.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Removal of breast implants, intact or ruptured, may have positive implications if patients are symptomatic. A constellation of symptoms associated with breast implant illness, and autoimmune disease are considered when treating patients who have breast implants and are concerned about foreign body reaction. In our office, we begin this journey with a consideration of symptoms and exclusion of obvious autoimmune problems. In many of our patients, en bloc removal of breast implants with capsulectomy is important and beneficial. Further clinical evidence about breast implant illness is evolving and will continue to guide treatment. I would suggest removal if there is a possibility of foreign body reaction.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

The technique I recommend is explantation and lift using The Bellesoma Method. The implants are removed, your breast tissue is reshaped creating upper pole fullness, elevated higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained if not injured during your previous surgery. Later, fat transfers can be performed if additional volume is desired.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Perhaps with removal, you will feel less pain because of reducing the weight of your breasts.  Breasts with implants that have pain are most likely due to capsules. However, breasts with no implants can also have pain.  If once removed and you still have pain, be checked for food allergies.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear of the discomfort you are experiencing.  I encourage you to visit with a board certified plastic surgeon who can examine you related to capsular contracture.  You can elect to have your implants out at any time.  If they pain is related to the implants or the capsules this should bring some relief.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

I suggest you consult with a plastic surgeon to assess your implants. Capsular contraction can cause pain and this is treatable.
Breast pain is not uncommon and sometimes there is no clear ideology.
If your surgeon is still in practice with the person, who did your breast augmentation or alternatively schedule a consultation with other providers.
If you have capsular contraction, then a capsulectomy with or without exchange of implants may be appropriate.
The treatment of capsular contractions is generally covered by medical insurance.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

46 year old with 13 year old implants. Moderate to severe Pain (Photo)

Answers (7)

More Breast Implant Removal Questions

Breast implant deflation - what is the cost?

What do thin capsules contain after implant removal?

Implant removal with lipo?

Thin capsule removal - breast implant illness. Can total capsule removal be done on thin capsules?

35 year old mom of three and have 425cc under the muscle. Will I need a lift? (photo)

Capsule Biopsy under local anesthesia?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS