Breast pain 1 year after surgery. Should I be worried?

Question

I have been experiencing some pain in my left breast. It feels different to the other one, feels firm, tight and looks more fuller at the top, it looks more rounder than the other one also. They both look very different now and my nipples are too. I had my surgery 1 year ago now. Should I be worried? I do not feel confident with them anymore it is making me feel down.

Morad Askari, MD, MBA · Answer

Thank you for your question. Based on what you describe, it seems your left breast might have a capsular contracture. When placing an implant, or any foreign object in your body, a capsule (scar tissue) forms around it. Sometimes this capsule gets harder. When it happens around the breast implant, it can change the shape and feel of the breast: it looks higher, feels tighter, etc. Corrective surgery might be necessary based on the severity of your capsular contracture. Different approaches can be taken.

Caner Kacmaz, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. If you are still experiencing pain one year after the surgery, this might be due to capsular contracture. Capsular contracture is a tightening of the scar tissue that forms around your implant. This happens when your body reacts to the foreign object, your implant. About  10% of the patients get this. I recommend you make an appointment with your surgeon and get examined to eliminate any doubt. Best wishes.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear of the concerns you are experiencing.  Pain one year after surgery is not typical, nor are changes to the feel and appearance of the breast.  I encourage you to visit with your surgeon for an evaluation.

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I would recommend following up with your surgeon.  A capsular contracture which is scar tissue could be causing the discomfort.  Best of luck to you.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear laurenC27,
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, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Breast pain 1 year after surgery. Should I be worried?

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Breast pain 1 year after surgery. Should I be worried?

Answers (10)

Answer: Pain 1 year after BA

Answer: Pain 1 year after BA

Answer: Breast pain

Answer: Breast pain

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