Can costochondritis be caused by leaky old implants?

Thank you for sharing. Did a plastic surgeon make the diagnosis of costochondritis? A misshaped breast implant 20+ years may certainly be a contributing factor to some pain (different than costochondritis). Removal of old breast implants with pain and shape issues can help. Make sure you see a board certified plastic surgeon with a breast practice. Being seen in person is the first step. Best wishes!David Yao, MD FACSCosmetic Fellowship Trained, Board Certified Plastic Surgery & Board Certified Surgery

Twenty+ years after breast augmentation, severe pain years under the breast suggests that the nature of the pain probably originates from the chest wall.  This is usually self-limiting and be treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve).  The muscle may be in spasm or you may have chest wall tenderness or costochondritis may be a contributing factor. Your board certified plastic surgeon will have the best perspective on this to rule out capsular contracture.  And it's a good time to replace your breast implants!Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

It may be that your old implants and the pain you are experiencing are contributing to your other symptoms.  You may want to discuss having your implants and capsules removed with a board certified plastic surgeon near you.

It is possible that a ruptured implant could lead to costochondritis.  Ruptured silicone, a tight capsule or inflammation can cause the rib cage to be inflamed and cause pain.  If pain medication does not relieve the pain and a plastic surgeon confirms on physical exam/imaging that there is pain at the level of the ruptured implant than they could diagnose a ruptured implant as the source.  A ruptured implant should be removed anyway but especially when it is causing pain.

Dear Hurting62,Hello and thank you for your excellent question.  I am not familiar with a leaking implant causing costochondritis, but I would not be surprised if removing your implants results in an improvement in your symptoms.  When you do have the implants removed, you should be evaluated for a No-Vertical-Scar, No-Implant breast lift technique to be performed at the same time.  Some people refer to this as the Bellesoma Breast Lift technique. Our technique provides an exceptional breast lift, upper pole fullness, relief from neck and back pain, and no vertical breast lift scar. It uses a woman’s OWN breast tissue to produce an internal suspension technique, without the need for a breast implant. It does not disturb the nipple, areola, or breast glands, so sensation and the ability to lactate is preserved. It uses 3D scanning of your breasts and body to design a procedure specifically designed for YOU, and you alone. Finally, for patients who desire breast enlargement, it can be combined with fat grafting. It is best to answer your question during a face-to-face evaluation, when you can discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure, and you can have a physical examination to evaluate for that procedure. I recommend that you find a board-certified, or board-eligible plastic surgeon with whom you are comfortable. Be sure to have all of your questions answered during a face-to-face meeting with your surgeon, and review before and after pictures of similar patients whom have had this procedure. If you have any questions, call our office for assistance. Good luck!

Best,

Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS

Harvard educated plastic surgeon

Texas “Top Doc” 2017, 2018

RealSelf100

America’s Top Plastic Surgeons, Consumer’s Research Council, 2010 – 2018

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