Breast Lump and Tightness, Occasional pain, Feels Dense - Any suggestions?

Question

I had my procedure a 1.5 years ago, silicone implants. I developed a lump in my L breast, I’ve been having dull intermittent discomfort in that breast that goes away after a few sec, pain and tightness when i lay or apply pressure on the breast. It also feels denser than my R breast. I have none of these issues in my R. I got an U/S and the lump was normal tissue, iwent to my surgeon and he stated everything looks normal & lump/discomfort has nothing to do with implant. Any suggestions?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Peaceful347835,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

It's important to follow up with your surgeon and continue to monitor the lump and any discomfort or pain you're experiencing in your breast. While the ultrasound may have ruled out any concerning abnormalities, it's still possible that the lump or other symptoms could be related to the implant.

In some cases, breast implants can cause a condition called capsular contracture, where the scar tissue around the implant becomes thickened and can cause discomfort, tightness, and other symptoms. It's possible that this could be contributing to the issues you're experiencing.

It may be a good idea to seek a second opinion from another qualified and reputable surgeon who has experience in breast implant complications. They may recommend additional imaging, such as an MRI, or other tests to further evaluate the issue.

In the meantime, you can also try some at-home remedies to alleviate any discomfort or pain you're experiencing, such as wearing a supportive bra, applying warm compresses, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers as needed.

Best of luck !

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You may just have very dense tissue, but I would keep an eye on the area. Vitamin E 1000 iu could be helpful and avoiding caffeine and chocolate to decrease discomfort.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Whenever a lump or mass is felt it needs to be evaluated to rule out anything concerning.  If the physical exam and ultrasound did not yield any answers you may want to consider a mammogram.  Depending on the results you can consider removing the lump.

Douglas J. Raskin, MD (retired) · Answer

Greetings,
15 years after an augmentations, a New Breast Lump with occasional pain and a dense left breast may warrant additional evaluation beyond an ultrasound,  Your plastic surgeon or  physician could recommend diagnostic mammography or an MRI after examining you.  
If this lump can be felt, a breast surgeon may recommend a biopsy based upon the imaging studies.
Best Regards,

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

At a minimum based on your history of a painful lump in your breast, I would suggest a mammogram and an examination by a breast surgeon other than your plastic surgeon.  A breast surgeon may recommend an MRI or may recommend watchful waiting or may recommend a needle biopsy depending on the type of lump or mass seen on an MRI.
In most cases such a lump turns out to be benign.  But it is very important that you pursue an accurate diagnosis.

Breast Lump and Tightness, Occasional pain, Feels Dense - Any suggestions?

Answers (6)