Is it normal to have nipple and breast pain with a shoulder injury when having breast implants?

Question

Breast aug done Jan. I've had shoulder impingement for a couple years now on my right shoulder and it comes and goes. I workout regularly and currently I am trying to strengthen it. However I know that this injury can cause a tight pec minor and I have been having a lot of tightness in my right breast as well as sensations in my nipple when I touch certain parts of my breast near my armpit. My surgeon said he isn't sure what it can be. Can anyone help? I'm afraid it can cause capsular contracture.

S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS · Answer

Shoulder impingement is part of the rotator cuff problems that can occur, especially in athletic individuals.  Shoulder impingement causes pain which, in some, leads to decreased activity which unfortunately leads to more pain.Breast augmentation capsular contracture is not directly related to an impinged shoulder, but there are many indirect processes which may, in fact, cause a breast implant to feel tighter or firmer.  From what you say, it seems that you have a primary problem which is chronic shoulder impingement, and you are just worrying that this may in some way affect the scar tissue around your breast implant.  If you were my patient, I would send you to an orthopedic surgeon well versed in rotator cuff problems.  At the same time, I would put you on Accolate which was shown to decrease capsular contracture in an article published in PR&S in 2017.  Also, I would have you use ultrasound (the kind physical therapists use for sore muscles) to decrease the capsular contracture around your breast implant and improve your impinged shoulder simultaneously.

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions. Shoulder issues may cause pain that can radiate into the breast or arm. Nerve irritation can also show up in odd ways. As for the capsular contracture, shoulder problems will not cause cap con, but if you are concerned about this issue, you should see your plastic surgeon for an evaluation.Hope this helps!

Urmen Desai, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

I recommend an in-office examination as well as a detailed discussion with a surgeon who you are comfortable with.   Finally, make sure your surgeon is a Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS), a member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).Best,Dr. DesaiBeverly Hills Institute for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryHarvard Educated, Beverly Hills & Miami Beach TrainedDouble Board-Certified Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Austin Hayes, MD · Answer

Shoulder impingement should not cause capsular contracture, but it's important that your plastic surgeon evaluate you to make sure that a capsular contracture is not forming. I would consider a consultation with an orthopedic shoulder specialist. It will be important to address your shoulder issues with them, so that they can guide you through the treatment and discuss the symptoms that are associated with shoulder injuries and those that are not. Hopefully, by process of elimination, you can figure out the cause of the pain that you are experiencing.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is difficult to tell without assessing you in person. Please follow up with your surgeon if you are concerned.

Is it normal to have nipple and breast pain with a shoulder injury when having breast implants?

Answers (5)

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