Will getting my implants removed help with intercostal pain (possible nerve damage) felt on left side between the ribs?

Question

I thought it was Costochondritis or Tietze syndrome but the pain has continued for three years. I’ve seen several doctors and can feel tissue pain when pushing on the ribs. Will removal of the implants help with the pain or damage the nerve further?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

It appears you have exhausted all avenues of approach to resolving your problem without a clear cut reason for the pain.  The pain could be caused by one of the sensory nerves from the intercostals (T3 or T4).  In some patients, I have injected local anesthetic in the distribution for relief and diagnosis.  Sometimes, the nerve is involved in a scar band. I know of no other way to determine if the implants are the reason for the pain other than removing them, but the risk of damaging the nerve further is a possibility.

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

Unfortunately the only way to tell if the pain will resolve is to remove the implants and see.  I would only recommend that if you have exhausted all the options and you are at crossroads here where there is no other option.  Then the feasible thing to do may be to remove the implants.Breast implant removal can be very simple procedure and does not need to result in further pain or nerve damage, especially if your capsule is very thin.  With very thin capsules, the implants are simply removed and you are done.  If the capsule is very thick, or you have capsular contracture (which could cause pain), the capsule will then need to be removed to prevent issues with fluid accumulation.I would recommend you see a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss things further.Hope that helps.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear whitneyc06,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. There is a chance that implant removal will reduce pain. But also, the pain level might remain unchanged even after implant removal. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment. Only after thorough examination you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  Unfortunately it is impossible to know whether the pain felt between your ribs will spontaneously resolve with implant removal, but if you have tried all other alternatives it may be your best option at this time.  Any surgery risks further injury to the nerves of the breast and chest so a careful discussion of the pros/cons of the procedure needs to be discussed during an in-person consultation.

Benjamin J. Cousins, MD · Answer

Thank you for your post and questions. I am sorry to hear of your nerve pain and symptoms. It is difficult to say for certain that removal of the implants will solve or cure the pain you speak of as it may be due to a number of other causes. If you feel that you have no other route, then it may be worth consideration with the understanding that it may not resolve the pain.Dr. Benjamin J. Cousins MDBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon Miami/Miami Beach FL

Brian Widenhouse, MD · Answer

It is difficult to predict whether removal of your breast implants will resolve your pain. I suggest you meet with a board certified PS in your area for a thorough evaluation and exam.Best of luck!

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Removing the implant, or going down in size might improve the pain. No one can say for sure, but I have seen one patient with a similar experience who was relieved of pain once removed.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear of the pain you are having.  Unfortunately it is only speculation whether or not removal or your implants will improve your symptoms.  I encourage you to meet with a board certified plastic surgeon near you for a detailed examination which may reveal more information with which to base your decision.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about the problem you are experiencing. Unfortunately, it is not possible to predict whether or not the type of pain you are experiencing will be alleviated by breast implant removal surgery.   Having said that, it is unlikely that careful removal of breast implants would "damage the nerve" further. In my experience, patients who are experiencing a breast implant displacement problem (such as bottoming out or lateral breast implant displacement) do experience relief of discomfort with breast implant removal surgery. Best to seek consultation with well experienced board-certified plastic surgeons in your area for more precise thoughts. Best wishes.

Sybile Val, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Unfortunately,  the only way to know if the pain will diminish with implant removal is to have the implants removed.  Explant surgery may be worth consideration with the understanding that it may not resolve the pain.

Will getting my implants removed help with intercostal pain (possible nerve damage) felt on left side between the ribs?

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