No Rupture based on MRI but why does it hurt?

Question

2 months ago I lifted something heavy which I felt a pop on my left breast. I had an MRI and the Radiologist reported no rupture or any abnormalities. But why is the soreness still present most especially after physical activities or working out? The softness is the same as before. No hardening experienced.

Miguel Mota, MD · Answer

Very interesting question!! It probably still hurts because it has nothing to do with the implants and this is actually good news!! This is most probably a common case of costochondritis, an inflammation of the cartilage and bones on the chest wall, specifically where the sternum meets the ribs. Your symptoms are very consistent with this condition. Rest and anti-inflammatory drugs (Naids) is the best from of treatment. Make sure to get a good stretch and a good warmup in before exceresizing and you should be good soon.

Best of luck,
Dr. Miguel Mota

Best of luck,
Dr. Miguel Mota

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear realselfkelly,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is 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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

George Volpe, MD · Answer

A new pain in the chest while working out does not necessarily imply that it is breast implant related. It may be but there are also other causes. For example, if one pulls an intercostal muscle (these are the muscles that run from one rib to the next), one can experience discomfort for 3 months or longer. It is also possible that scar tissue that is normal could be pulling on a structure and causing some discomfort. Neither of these conditions may be seen on an MRI scan. A ruptured implant would usually not feel like a pop nor would be expected to cause significant discomfort in most cases. In most cases, these discomforts tend to fade away with time although I usually counseled my patients it could take 3 to 6 months. The hardest scenario is when the pain does not significantly decrease after a number of months and is at the point where it interferes with one's activities, in the presence of negative imaging results. You should bring up your concerns to your operating surgeon. He or she will review your imaging results and also may prescribe massage or other therapies while waiting the appropriate amount of time for discomforts to resolve.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

I know you reported your breasts as being soft, but any pop sound is a ruptured capsule until proven otherwise. Implant rupture does not involve popping sounds or sensations. Your surgeon should have high resolution ultrasound in their office by the way; an MRI was unnecessary and costly. The other issue may be injury to your own tissue due to lifting the heavy weight.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

You may have injured the muscle when lifting something heavy.  This may not have anything to do with the implants.  Rest the area and visit with your primary care physician if the pain doesn't subside.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You probably tore part of the capsule and it is still healing. Hopefully, it will completely settle back down and all the pain will subside.

No Rupture based on MRI but why does it hurt?

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