Breast implant displacement with mild pain. Could this be caused by muscle strain?

Question

My BA is approx 5 years old, I have 350cc saline placed under muscle. I am constantly carrying 30-35 lb child in my left arm and recently I have started developing mild discomfort on my left breast( almost like a pulled muscle,) some nipple pain, and I have noticed my left breast appears to have moved down and now my nipple points out. Could this be caused by muscle strain from carrying my kids on that side or is it coincidence? Will it get worse without surgical correction?

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

The constant vector of force on the implant when in a sub muscular position can cause the capsule to stretch and the implant to be displaced. Usually this is a painless phenomenon but some patients have your complaints. Treatment would be to move the implant to sub glandular position

Sofia K. Kirk, MD · Answer

It is hard to tell exactly what is going on without a photo or an examination.  It could be as simple as muscle spasm or it could be due to capsular contracture or implant bottoming out.  I would recommend paying a visit to your surgeon if possible, or if not, then getting a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to evaluate the problem

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I am sorry to hear about your current issues with your breast implants. I would make an appointment to speak with your surgeon so that they can examine you and help determine what may be happening.  Though a muscle strain is common, implants can be pushed down and away from the body with squeezing of the chest when they are placed underneath the muscle.  Though they return to their normal position after the muscle relaxes, constant, and repetitive contractions can alter the pocket the implant sits in and cause a malposition that would need to be corrected through surgery. Hope this helps

Hisham Seify, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Yes, the pain could be caused by muscle strain.We see this happen more in athletes or
patients who actively use their upper body muscles in sports or activities.Your best bet is to contact your Board
Certified Plastic Surgeon to see if he/she would prescribe a muscle
relaxer.If the muscle relaxer works,
then the pain was likely caused by muscle strain.

Robert B. Louton, MD · Answer

I have seen sub muscular smooth implants displaced inferiorly and lateral by the repeated compression of the pectorals muscle.  This problem can cause discomfort and the breast to "bottom out".On the other hand if the implant is being displaced superiorly and medial it may be a sign of capsule contracture.  Either way you should be evaluated by your PS for diagnosis and treatment options.I hope this helps.

Breast implant displacement with mild pain. Could this be caused by muscle strain?

Answers (6)

Answer: The pain could be caused by muscle strain.

Answer: The pain could be caused by muscle strain.

Answer: Straight answers from Dr. Louton

Answer: Straight answers from Dr. Louton

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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Breast implant displacement with mild pain. Could this be caused by muscle strain?

Answers (6)

Answer: The pain could be caused by muscle strain.

Answer: The pain could be caused by muscle strain.

Answer: Straight answers from Dr. Louton

Answer: Straight answers from Dr. Louton

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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