Right breast much larger than left & little painful 6 years post-op, what is this? (Photo)

It is difficult to determine exactly what is going on from a single photo and without a physical exam. There could be several reasons including a late seroma (fluid collection), bottoming out of the implant, a silent rupture (if silicone gel), and many others. This needs to be examined with a physical exam and also potential ultrasound. I would recommend seeing a plastic surgeon with ultrasound capabilities. Dr. William Adams Jr is one of the plastic surgeons in Dallas who offers implant surveillance ultrasound. This may also necessitate a formal ultrasound done by a radiologist. My best recommendation is to find a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery near you with excellent breast surgery experience and a good reputation.

Whenever there is a change like this, it is important to see your plastic surgeon. It is likely that you may need an ultrasound or another type of imaging, but after the evaluation, your surgeon can arrange this for you. If you are unable to see your surgeon, then you can see another surgeon or start with your GYN or PCP. Best of luck! Call if you have any further questions.

Thank you for your question and picture. First question is was there any trauma. Also is the breast hard or feels soft but bigger. And finally, do you have textured silicone implants. In either case you need to see a Board Certified PS, your original surgeon, if possible ASAP to be sure that IF they are textured implants and there was a sudden and drastic increase in size that you do not have BIA-ALCL.

You will need to be evaluated for a fluid collection, either serous fluid or frank blood. Do not delay.

That might be a fluid collection called a seroma. You should see a plastic surgeon as soon as you can.

You should see your Plastic Surgeon, or a Plastic Surgeon immediately.
This could be something as simple as a traumatic injury with a tear of the capsule with bleeding, which will resolve, or it could be something more serious, especially if your implants are textured.
Get your implant information together to take to your appointment

Hey there! Great question - certainly, any sudden changes in the appearance or feel of your breasts does warrant further investigation. I have seen patients develop fluid collections suddenly - either hematomas (blood) or seromas (lymphatic fluid), at times due to trauma. However, this can also happen without an inciting event. Best recommendation would be to be seen by your surgeon preferably, or if not available, another plastic surgeon who can evaluate you further. It would be ideal if whomever you see also has an in-office ultrasound so that they can further examine the integrity of the implant and if there is a potential fluid collection. Having trained in Dallas, there are a number of excellent surgeons who would be able to do this. Hope that helps!

Go back to your surgeon or primary care physician and ask for an ultrasound of your right breast. You may have had some trauma and tore the capsule and now have some fluid that has built up inside. The fluid may need to be removed if it does not go away.

Only one posted photo and limited information written? Unusual increase in one breast size post augmentation is usually an indication of either the smaller size having a capsule contracture, or the larger size having a seroma or acute expansion due to trauma? Best to see your original surgeon, if possible or see a local board-certified Plastic Surgeon , and second opinion consultation. Finally virtual consultation can be offered. Would recommend a mammogram or MRI or ultrasound of breast ASAP.

This is a situation that should be checked sooner than later. The style and type of implant, would also determine the seriousness of the sudden onset symmetry. Most likely you have a ruptured implant with capsular contracture.