Why Do I Have Pain in Muscle Pocket 3 Years After Bilateral Mastectomy?

Question

My muscle pocket is thick on side of left breast. 3 yrs out from BC with Bilateral Mastectomy with saline implants under muscle. Constant pain in thick side pocket radiates up side of breast under arm. Hard mass like from scarring but sore. Could this be nerves growing back? Should I have revision to cut out thick scar pocket? Or should I try Advil first and see if pain goes away?

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

It sounds like you may be suffering from capsular contracture around your L breast implant.  Does the breast implant feel soft?  A hard mass in the area may also be caused by a hematoma that has consolidated in the area.  It may be beneifcial to have an MRI to ensure the implants are fine 3 years after reconstruction.  If capsular contracture is the cause, excising the capsule, exchanging the implant and using a dermal graft should improve your symptoms.

Robert Whitfield, MD · Answer

Pain that is that severe is not normal.  You should be seen and examined by your plastic surgeon.  First I look at these issues with ultrasound so if a specific area needs to be biopsied it can be done.  If this is not helpful then an MRI can be useful.  If all of this appear to be due to scarring around the implant then I remove all of the scar, the implants, and replace them with your own tissue. I do this most frequently with you own lower abdominal tissue.  This is called the DIEP flap.  Other options include TUG flaps, SGAP flap, and latissimus flaps.

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

It is NOT normal to have discomfort or pain once mastectomies and reconstructions heal. Persistent or new onset pain, tissue thickening or a new mass should be investigated first by physical examination and as needed with a MRI. I would suggest you see your Plastic surgeon,

	Peter A Aldea, MD
	Memphis, TN

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Pain can be many different things. It could be a capsular contracture it sould be something else. Check with your surgeon and possibly with your breast surgeon as well.

Why Do I Have Pain in Muscle Pocket 3 Years After Bilateral Mastectomy?

Answers (4)

Answer: Pain 3 yrs later after mastectomy and reconstruction

Answer: Pain 3 yrs later after mastectomy and reconstruction

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reconstruction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Why Do I Have Pain in Muscle Pocket 3 Years After Bilateral Mastectomy?

Answers (4)

Answer: Pain 3 yrs later after mastectomy and reconstruction

Answer: Pain 3 yrs later after mastectomy and reconstruction

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reconstruction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.