Can a Partially Deflated Implant Cause Pain?

A deflated breast implant, does not usually cause pain when fixed promptly. Silicone filled breast implants should be replaced promptly. When the breast implants are saline filled, there is not the same urgency; however, when left deflated for months, the capsule around the implant begins to shrink. The implant begins to fold, and can "poke" from the inside. The muscle can also cramp from the irritation. Discomfort can range from none, to mild cramping, to occasional sudden pain that resolves quickly. Once this begins, it is unlike to resolve without removal or replacement of the implant. Pain that is progresive, unrelenting and worsening, may be due to other problems, and should be investigated promptly.

Yes, women with failing saline implants sometimes complain of pain. It seems most of the time the burning in nature. I'm not sure the reason for it since saline in the implant is isotonic with the body

A deflated implant can fold and the folding can poke into your tissue and cause pain.  Best to be seen and treated.

You could have a slow leak.  Pain can occur if the shrinking implant folds over onto itself, particularly on the outside edge of the breast.  Pain should always be worked up because it can reflect other issues in the breast.  I fully appreciate the economic issue in this financial climate; it has affected patients of mine under similar circumstances.  The cost of a replacement implant should be met by the manufacturer's warranty but you would have to pay the surgical and anesthesia fees.

It is very unusual to have a partial deflation of a saline filled breast implant.  Usually a small pin hole leak in the implant will result in a completely deflated implant over a 3 to 6 week period.  I would be surprised if the implant was leaking rather you may have a capsular contracture causing your pain. In any event it is not possible to diagnose this problem with out an examination.  

It is good that you are seeing your surgeon soon, as he will be the best suited to fully evaluate your situation.  It is very understandable that you may be feeling pain with deflated saline implants.  I can think of two reasons off the top of my head why this could happen, and there are probably many more.  The first is that sometimes when an implant deflates, the shell of the implant folds over onto itself, and this makes it thicker and stiffer.  This can rub or poke into the tissues, sometimes even causing a palpable lump.  This can be painful and tender.  In addition, one of the things that frequently leads to rupture of saline implants is capsule contracture which causes the implants to fold and develop weak areas.  Capsule contracture can itself sometimes cause pain, and thus, it may not be the deflated implant itself causing the pain, rather the process that led to the deflation may also be responsible for the pain.  One word about the economics of implant deflation - if you have implants purchased and placed in the US, you should have at least the basic warranty offered by the manufacturer.  Most of these at least provide for lifetime replacement of the implant with like implants, and they also allow for some cash payout toward the costs of having the implants replaced.  Many surgeons, myself included, will perform uncomplicated simple implant exchange for our own patients for essentially the amount that the warranty allows or slightly more, thereby making the procedure very affordable.  Of course if more is required, such as capsulectomy or other more complex procedures, then the charges may be more.  Check with your surgeon about this kind of arrangement if you haven't already, as you may be pleasantly surprised with what you will find out.  Good luck.

I am sorry to hear about the complications you have experienced. It is not unusual for patients who have had breast implant deflation to report increased pain;  this may be related to the “edges" or folds of the deflating breast implant irritating the surrounding tissue.  I do not think that you need to be very concerned at all;  keep your scheduled  appointment with your plastic surgeon.

 Best wishes.

 

Yes, it can.  The edges of a partially or completely deflated implant can stick into your breast, the surrounding tissues, and/or the deeper area right over the ribs.  In the absence of systemic signs (such as fever, chills, sweats, redness, etc) I agree that it's unlikely to be an urgent surgical issue, and waiting until next week should be okay.

Good luck,

Dr. E

In my experience, I have found that a burning discomfort is very common, actually expected, from a leaking saline breast implant.  The faster the deflation, the quicker the symptom resolves.  As far as we know, it is completely harmless and unrelated to any future consequences.  Nothing to worry about.   

When saline implants deflate, they usually deflate 100% in a very short time.  Occasionally  they can slowly leak over months.  In either case, pain might occur since the folded edge of the implant can rub against the tissue.  It is best to have them removed or replaced sooner than later since the pocket will shrink and make the replacement surgery more involved.