I had breast augmentation surgery in December 2012, two days ago I was doing my self-examination and noticed that my left breast is harder than my right one, I can also feel my implant on the bottom part of my left breast and it started itching today all around it. Am I being paranoid or is there something wrong that needs to get fixed?
April 22, 2015
Answer: Hard, itchy breast 2 1/2 years after breast augmentation Thank you for your question.The symptoms you describe (left breast harder than the right, palpable implant on left, and itching) could be the result of a number of different causes. The fact that you can feel your implant (palpable implant) is not uncommon, though if you were not able to feel it before, it may indicate a change in the status of your breast augmentation. The itching could be due to a systemic problem completely unrelated to your previous surgery, or it may also indicate a change in the status of your breast augmentation. The symptom that draws the most attention is the firmness of the left side compared to the right. Assuming that you've been doing regular self examinations and that this is a change compared to your previous examinations, it could be an early indication of capsular contracture (tightening and hardening of the scar pocket around the implant). If, in fact, you are developing capsular contracture, it's possible (though unlikely) that the itching and the change in the ability to feel the implant are all being caused by the same process.If caught early, some cases of capsular contracture can be treated phamacologically without the need for additional surgery. Regardless, however, you should see your plastic surgeon for a full examination - this would be the best way to find out whether or not to be concerned about your symptoms and what to do about them.And in answer to your final question - no, you're not being paranoid. That doesn't mean something disastrous is going on - it just means that you should see your surgeon again. If that's not an option, you would be well-served by seeing another board-certified plastic surgeon who can help you figure out what the next step would be.Best wishes.
Helpful
April 22, 2015
Answer: Hard, itchy breast 2 1/2 years after breast augmentation Thank you for your question.The symptoms you describe (left breast harder than the right, palpable implant on left, and itching) could be the result of a number of different causes. The fact that you can feel your implant (palpable implant) is not uncommon, though if you were not able to feel it before, it may indicate a change in the status of your breast augmentation. The itching could be due to a systemic problem completely unrelated to your previous surgery, or it may also indicate a change in the status of your breast augmentation. The symptom that draws the most attention is the firmness of the left side compared to the right. Assuming that you've been doing regular self examinations and that this is a change compared to your previous examinations, it could be an early indication of capsular contracture (tightening and hardening of the scar pocket around the implant). If, in fact, you are developing capsular contracture, it's possible (though unlikely) that the itching and the change in the ability to feel the implant are all being caused by the same process.If caught early, some cases of capsular contracture can be treated phamacologically without the need for additional surgery. Regardless, however, you should see your plastic surgeon for a full examination - this would be the best way to find out whether or not to be concerned about your symptoms and what to do about them.And in answer to your final question - no, you're not being paranoid. That doesn't mean something disastrous is going on - it just means that you should see your surgeon again. If that's not an option, you would be well-served by seeing another board-certified plastic surgeon who can help you figure out what the next step would be.Best wishes.
Helpful
April 22, 2015
Answer: Hard and itchy breast. The hardening may indicate the onset of capsular contraction. The palpability of the implant in the inferior pole is not an unusual occurrence. The itching is probably not related to the implant. You would be best to see you surgeon for evaluation.
Helpful
April 22, 2015
Answer: Hard and itchy breast. The hardening may indicate the onset of capsular contraction. The palpability of the implant in the inferior pole is not an unusual occurrence. The itching is probably not related to the implant. You would be best to see you surgeon for evaluation.
Helpful
