I have breast cancer then had implants. I have tightness and pain in my breast. Any suggestions?

Question

I have severe muscle spasms in my breast is their anything I can do to relieve the pain and tightness caused from the implants

Jennifer Lauren Crawford, MD · Answer

You should definitely visit with your plastic surgeon to determine what is going on. The risk of capsular contracture (a firmness of the breast caused by the scar capsule that can be distorting) is higher in reconstruction (than in augmentation). Sometimes more aggressive massage or visits with a physical therapist trained in helping with capsular contracture can be a benefit early on. Sometimes people need further surgery for that issue. But, I do have patients who experience tightness without contracture especially in the first weeks following surgery. I use low dose Valium as a muscle relaxing agent. Some surgeons use Soma or another alternative to help. Your surgeon will be able to help sort this out. Good luck to you!

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

The pain and tightness in your breast may not be due to "muscle spasm" but may be from other causes. Depending on the type of reconstruction you had and your cancer treatment surrounding the reconstruction (chemotherapy, radiation, etc), these factors all contribute to changes in the breast with implant based reconstruction. I suspect that you may have something called capsular contracture which can lead to tightness and pain around the implant. This condition can be treated in many ways but sometimes necessitates removal of the implant. I would suggest that you seek a consultation with either the person who did your reconstruction or a local board certified plastic surgeon to discuss the problem and review possible options for treatment.Good luck to you!

I have breast cancer then had implants. I have tightness and pain in my breast. Any suggestions?

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I have breast cancer then had implants. I have tightness and pain in my breast. Any suggestions?

Answers (2)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reconstruction

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