Pain From Breast Implant - what could this be?

Question

In 2012 i had a nipple sparring double mastectomy followed by reconstruction. I had a few revisions throughout the years. Then in 2018 my plastic surgeon went to swap them out and found a mass. I was diagnosed with triple positive her2. Went thru chemo, radiation, etc. The implants were under the muscle so no need to take them out. Done with treatment 2019/2020. Recently been having a lot of pain on the left side. Hurts to the touch. Wondering if this could be the implant?

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. Wow thats incredible of you! and thank you for sharing your history. If you are having a lot of pain post radiation my assumption is maybe not the implant itself, but the radiation to the tissue can cause tightness and increase scarring around the implant pocket. Im not sure if you are doing any type of stretching or physical therapy. Speak to your plastic surgeon about your concerns. Keep it up you are doing SOO great!!!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Heather2474,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went 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

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

It's possible that the pain you're experiencing on the left side could be related to the implant. I recommend scheduling an appointment with your plastic surgeon or oncologist to discuss your symptoms.

There are several potential causes of pain or discomfort after breast reconstruction, including:

-Capsular contracture: This is a condition in which the scar tissue that forms around the implant tightens and compresses the implant, causing pain, discomfort, and distortion of the breast shape.
-Implant rupture: If the implant ruptures or leaks, it can cause pain, discomfort, and changes in breast shape.
Infection: Infection can occur in the breast tissue or around the implant, causing pain, swelling, and redness.
-Nerve damage: Nerves can be damaged during surgery, which can cause pain, numbness, or tingling in the breast or surrounding areas.
-Other medical conditions: Other medical conditions unrelated to the implant, such as fibromyalgia, can cause pain in the breast or chest area.

Your plastic surgeon or oncologist can perform a physical exam and order any necessary tests to determine the cause of your pain and develop a treatment plan. They may recommend imaging studies such as an ultrasound or MRI to evaluate the implant and surrounding tissue. In some cases, revision surgery may be necessary to address the underlying issue and alleviate pain or discomfort.

Best of luck !

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Ask your surgeon if you have a capsule now. Radiation does increase the risk of capsule formation and could be the reason for pain. If it is, consider going smaller.

Pain From Breast Implant - what could this be?

Answers (4)

Answer: Pain

Answer: Pain

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Pain From Breast Implant - what could this be?

Answers (4)

Answer: Pain

Answer: Pain

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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.