Can a ruptured silicone implant cause arm pain?

Question

I had breast augmentation surgery back in 2003. In 2006 it ruptured and I never got operated again. My doctor ordered an ultrasound and said there was no danger. Today, it's completely hardened and it hurts. My arm has been in pain as well. I am 37 years old.

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

It sounds as if you are suffering from capsular contracture. The scar tissue is probably what's causing the pain in your arm. Schedule an appointment with your surgeon or another board certified plastic surgeon in your area (link below) to get it assessed in person. I would recommend removing the scar tissue and implant and either leaving as is or replacing the implant. Best, Dr. Nazarian

Frank J. Ferraro, MD · Answer

My patients are advised to get an MRI each three years to evaluate the silicone implants. I ask them to do this to continue to observe the implant for rupture or any other process that might be implant related. If the implant is ruptured I would recommend implant exchange and remove the silicone and replace it with a new silicone implant.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

You are likely suffering of capsular contracture of the breast implant.  The associated scar formation can cause discomfort in your arm.  I would recommend a capsulectomy and implant removal and possible replacement.

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Hello and thanks for your questions. What you have described is consistent with silicone breast implant rupture. After many years it is likely that silicone has made its way to the lymph nodes under the arm and this could be the cause of your pain. However, other conditions including breast cancer can have similar symptoms and you should be evaluated promptly by a professional team of doctors. It is not recommended that ruptured breast implants, especially the older generation, be left in the pocket when found to be ruptured. Best wishes always, Dr. ALDO

Richard Rosenblum, MD · Answer

You need to  make an appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon,  it is impossible to say whether or not it is related you need to be evaluated.     If you have an implant rupture you may have little expense to replace it.  Hope this is helpful.  Good Luck!

Kimberly Lu, MD · Answer

Leaking silicone can cause scarring and encapsulation, both in the breast and in the axilla.  It sounds like you have capsular contracture.  The scarring can lead to traction on the nerves leading to the breast, chest wall and arm, particularly the upper inner arm.  Of course, there are many other causes of arm pain as well which would need to be investigated.  To prevent further scarring and leakage, you should have your encapsulated implants removed.  This may or may not resolve the arm pain depending upon the cause.  See your board certified plastic surgeon, hand surgeon, or neurologist for an examination and further diagnostic testing.-Any information in the publications, messages, postings, articles on the website should not be considered a substitute for consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon to address individual medical needs. Your particular facts and circumstances will determine the plastic surgery treatment which is most appropriate for you.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

The short answer is yes. A ruptured silicone implant will develop a contracture and you may well experience pain in the breast, chest, or arm. The best solution is to see a plastic surgeon so the implnat and capsule can be removed.

Vasdev Rai, MD · Answer

Ruptured silicone implants should be removed as soon as rupture is diagnosed.  Leaked silicone can cause scarring in the armpit. This scar can trap nerves that go to arms. This then can cause arm pain. How did you get silicone implant in 2003?  They were no approved at that time for general use.

Daniel Krochmal, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you very much for your question.It sounds like you have developed a capsular contracture, since you mentioned your implant is hard and it hurts.  The scar tissue may be affecting some of the nerves going to your arm.  I recommend visiting with your plastic surgery (or a different one if yours is no longer in practice) for an evaluation.  Since it is ruptured and you are having symptoms, your surgeon will likely remove the implant, remove the scarred/thickened capsule, and replace a new implant.  While it's impossible to promise pain relief after this surgery, many patients do experience improvement in their symptoms.  Best of luck!

Richard J. Wassermann, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your questions. The pain you are experiencing is very common with a ruptured silicone implant. If the silicone escapes the capsule, it can very well harden and cause silicone granulomas, which are very painful. Contained inside the implant, silicone is no harm to the body, but if it were to travel outside of the implant limits, and possibly capsule limits, it could cause some issues. I would schedule a consultation with your plastic surgeon to talk to about implant/capsule removal. Good luck, Dr. Richard Wassermann MD, MPH, FACS

Can a ruptured silicone implant cause arm pain?

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