7 months post OP & feeling pain & twinges in both my breast (right is more achy), can you advise?

This is due most likely to injury to the intercostal nerves that supply the breast and nipple. One would want to know if the nipples are numb or hypersensitive, if there is decreased sensibility on parts of the breast. If the discomfort is felt with palpation of the lateral 4th intercostal nerve at the upper lateral border of the pectoralis.
If a source of nerve entrapment is located where the 4th intercostal nerve comes out of the pectoralis, that area of constriction can be opened and relief may be obtained.

Hello @Ally233, thank you for your question! It is best for your health to remove the implants as soon as possible. I've been performing breast implant removal from suspicious of Asia Syndrome (BII) from 4 years ago. In some women, this breast implant illness results in an autoinflammatory response, which affects different body systems and generates a range of symptoms. The thing about explant is that after patients have undergone surgery they star to feel better, their symptoms start reducing so at that time we can say that the patient had BII. Here is a video that sheds more light on the topic. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science” Member (IFATS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP).

Breast pain or discomfort after breast augmentation surgery can have various causes. It's important to consult with your plastic surgeon or a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation and guidance. Here are a few potential reasons for the symptoms you described:

-Healing process: During the healing process after breast augmentation surgery, it's common to experience occasional discomfort or pain. As the tissues and nerves continue to heal, you may notice changes in sensation and occasional twinges. However, persistent or worsening pain should be evaluated by your surgeon.

-Capsular contracture: Capsular contracture is a potential complication of breast augmentation surgery. It occurs when the scar tissue that naturally forms around the implant becomes tight and constricts the implant. This can lead to pain, changes in breast shape, and firmness. If you suspect capsular contracture, it's important to see your surgeon for an examination.

-Implant-related issues: Occasionally, breast implants may develop issues such as implant rupture or leakage, which can cause discomfort. It's important to have regular follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor the condition of your implants.

-Muscular strain: Intense physical activity or exercise can sometimes strain the chest muscles, leading to discomfort or pain.

However, if you're experiencing pain even without extensive physical activity, it's important to discuss this with your surgeon.
Psychological factors: Anxiety and stress can also contribute to feelings of discomfort and pain perception. It's understandable to feel anxious about changes in your body, but it's important to address these concerns with your healthcare provider for appropriate guidance and support.
Given the increased frequency and duration of your symptoms, it's advisable to schedule an appointment with your plastic surgeon or a healthcare professional. They can evaluate your specific situation, conduct a physical examination, and may recommend imaging tests or further investigations if necessary. This will help determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and provide appropriate treatment options or reassurance to alleviate your concerns.

I hope this helps,
best of luck !

Dr. Özge Ergun,
A lack of excess fatty tissue initially helps achieve a better contour. Unfortunately, you require a full tummy tuck (full abdominoplasty). Additionally, in the profile view, there is tissue expansion below the navel. Therefore, you will need a short-scar tummy tuck, rectus muscle plication, and a new navel creation.

Ally,
I have seen this several times in patients that work out heavily, especially when they are doing intense upper body exercises. I would try limiting the upper body exercises and trying Alleve once a day and see if it improves. You don’t mention if it is bilateral. Usually it is on one side. You can use a cold gel pack on it and see if that helps as well. The good news is that once you get it to calm down you can return to working out gradually and it should stay improved.
Be sure to followup with your surgeon and try to pinpoint exactly where the pain is so they can determine if it is in the area where the muscle was cut to place the implant.

Best of Luck

Dr. J

Persistent or worsening pain: While some pain can last 6-12 months after surgery, it should decrease over time. If your pain is getting worse or is interfering with your daily life, you need a medical assessment.
Signs of implant issues:
Rupture or leakage: Pain is a key sign that a silicone implant may have ruptured or is leaking.
Capsular contracture: Hardening and pain in the breast can signal this complication.
Seroma: Fluid buildup can also cause discomfort and requires evaluation

While this may be related to nerve regeneration, it would be a good idea to see your surgeon for an assessment just in case. That way any complication can be ruled out.

Thank you for sharing what you’ve been experiencing, I can hear how frustrating and stressful this has been for you. Pain that changes over time, especially when it becomes more frequent or starts waking you from sleep, is something that should always be evaluated carefully. While some discomfort after surgery or exercise can be normal in the early healing phase, persistent or worsening pain several months later is not something to ignore.
There are a number of possible causes, ranging from muscle or nerve irritation, to implant position or capsule-related changes if you’ve had breast surgery, or even non-surgical issues like musculoskeletal strain. The important thing is that it’s creating anxiety and interfering with your daily life, which means it deserves attention.
My best advice is to schedule a follow-up with your surgeon (or seek a second opinion with a board-certified plastic surgeon if you feel unheard) so they can examine you, review your history, and possibly order imaging if needed. In the meantime, keeping a log of when the pain occurs, what seems to trigger it, and how long it lasts can be very helpful in guiding evaluation.
You’re not alone in this, and there are usually ways to get to the bottom of persistent pain. The next step is a thorough in-person assessment to give you answers and peace of mind.
Warm regards,Dr. Sibel Atalay, MDBoard-Certified Plastic Surgeon

It’s possible that the tightness and pain you're experiencing could be related to a capsular contracture, especially if the discomfort has been increasing over time. You did not mention whether the implants are placed under or over the muscle—if they are currently under the muscle, and you're continuing to have this kind of pain, I would recommend discussing the option of switching to above the muscle placement. In many cases, patients report less discomfort in the first few months with above-muscle placement. From your experience—having sharp pains after workouts initially and now, seven months later, feeling more frequent discomfort even without intense activity—this could point to increasing tension or inflammation around the implant. Even though the pain isn't present 24/7, the fact that it's interfering with your sleep, focus, and causing ongoing anxiety shouldn't be ignored. I strongly recommend scheduling a consultation with your surgeon to assess the situation clinically and possibly order imaging (like an ultrasound or MRI) to evaluate for capsular contracture or other issues.

It is not uncommon for people to experience intermittent pain for months after breast surgery. It should diminish in frequency and intensity as time passes. Persistent pain may be an indicator of an early capsular contracture which may be helped by implant massage and initiating singulair daily. Other maneuvers that can help generalized post surgical pain include physical therapy and daily stretching as well as vibration therapy to any acute pain points. Make sure that you were wearing a supportive bra with gentle compression to help with overall achiness. You should make an appointment to see your surgeon and be evaluated in person at your convenience for a more personalized care plan.