Sharp Pain 10 Years After Saline Breast Implants

Question

I had Saline breast implants 10 years ago. They are under my muscle and have been very happy with the results.  One week ago, I began noticing a sharp pain at the base (where the bottom of your bra sits) of my breast.  It can travel up towards my nipple.  It is most uncomfortable when I bend over without a bra.  It is more tolerable when I wear a bra.  This pain is only on one breast.  What would you suggest I do?  What do you think it could be?

Sam Speron, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi,
Thank you for your question.
It is hard to say without examining you. I would definitely get a mammogram to make sure there are no suspicious findings. The pain could caused from physical activity that put too much strain on your breast. In that case, the pain should subside within a few weeks. The pain could also be linked to capsular contracture or maye even a loose pocket judging by the symptoms you described. For the last two, surgery would most likely be necessary to correct. You should see your board-certified plastic surgeon, especially if the pain is not going away.

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Without examining you it is difficult to determine what the cause of your discomfort is.  If you have not had a very recent mammogram, I would recommend that as a good starting point.  It is possible that this discomfort could be attributed to some sort of physical activity or strain on the breast, even something as minute as lifting a heavy grocery bag.  If it is the result of some physical strain on the breast, the pain should subside within a few weeks and in the interim some ibuprofen should help.  If the pain is not subsiding, it could be indicative of a larger issue such as a capsular contracture, which would be easily determined at a follow up appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon and would require surgery to fix.  Best of luck!

Christopher C. Chang, MD · Answer

Hi Brooke,
Thanks for sharing your concerns. Without assessing your anatomy in person, it's hard to tell you what the cause may be. It could be harmless pain as my colleagues below have mentioned but I would recommend that you see your surgeon who preformed the original breast augmentation. It is important to have yourself checked out just to be safe. In the meantime, you can take some NSAIDs for the sharpness and avoid any strenuous lifting or chest exercises until you consult your surgeon. 
If you can't see your original surgeon, consult a board-certified surgeon in your area. 
Good luck to you, Brooke! Hope everything works out!!

Sincerely,
Dr. Christopher Chang, MD
Washington DC, Maryland & Virginia

Alan N. Larsen, MD · Answer

It is difficult to determine without an examine, however the cause of your discomfort may be from recent physical activity, or some sort of heavy lifting.  I would suggest a mammogram, if you have not had a recent one, to rule out anything more serious as a starting point.  If the pain is a result of recent activity it should resolve itself soon, but if not I would follow up with your surgeon or a another surgeon who is board certified plastic surgeon specializing  in breast implants to rule out a possible capsular contracture.  Thank you !

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry, but without an exam it is hard to advise.  It is best you be seen by a plastic surgeon and be examined.

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

To be on the safe side I would have your physician evaluated you, get a physical exam and possibly and MRI.Having some pains years after your surgery are not unheard of, but before you can attribute it to just nerve pain or muscle strain, it would be wise to rule out other important issues.Hope that helps.

Austin Hayes, MD · Answer

It's difficult to say without examining you in person, but occasional aches and pains after breast augmentation is not abnormal. Most likely it is not related to the breast implants, but is usually caused by activities that you have been performing in the past several days (lifting, working out, etc). I would start by treating conservatively with ibuprofen/Tylenol, ice, rest. If you symptoms don't go away completely, then I would plan to see your plastic surgeon for an examination.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

This might not be associated with your implants, but you should see your surgeon just in case. You could also see your family doctor.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

It’s not unusual for patients to develop breast pain ten
years after undergoing breast augmentation surgery. In the vast majority of
patients this type of pain isn’t related to breast implants unless capsular
contractures are present. Instead, this type of breast pain is usually related
to musculoskeletal strains.

In this particular case, pain that radiated to the
nipple suggests some type of strain or stretching of
sensory nerves. In the vast majority of cases, conservative management is
appropriate and results in resolution of symptoms. In the short term,
analgesics and muscle relaxants may be appropriate as well.

If this pain fails to respond to conservative management
further investigation is appropriate. In some cases this may require
mammography and possibly MRI studies. Under these circumstances it’s
appropriate to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

It is unusual to be experiencing this pain. Please see your surgeon for an assessment of your concern. Best of luck.

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Hello!  Thank you for your question!  Your symptoms sound like your 
nerves regenerating.  Breast procedures such as the 
breast augmentation and breast lift/reduction certainly result in a more
 shapely, 
perky, and fuller appearance of your breasts. With any breast procedure 
there is a risk, albeit very small, of change in 
sensation to the area.  The reported rate of sensation changes 
(decreased, loss, or increased) is ~7% for lift/reductions and much 
smaller for breast augmentation.  In my experience, this rate is 
reportedly much lower, but is higher when tissue is excised or the 
amount of lift that is needed, so the breast reduction procedure has a 
slightly greater risk.  It can take up to a year for full sensation to 
return.  Re-educating your nerves to these areas by using different 
textures when showering and putting on lotion often helps.  Given your signs/symptoms, it is best to seek attention from your surgeon and/or primary care.  Clinical examination as well as possible imaging studies may be needed.  Discussion of all of your symptoms is warranted.It is one risk of such a procedure, and 
one that you must consider, amongst others, as with any surgical 
procedure.  You should consult with a plastic surgeon well-trained in 
breast procedures who will examine and discuss with you the various 
risks and benefits of the procedure(s) and assist you in deciding if 
such a procedure will be the right decision for you.

Sharp Pain 10 Years After Saline Breast Implants

Answers (22)

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