Sharp pain 5 years after breast implants (Photo)

Question

I got breast implants almost 5 years ago. 365cc, silicone gel, under the muscle. In the last 2 weeks I have been experiencing a dull pain come and no in one breast only. The last couple of days the pain has been a sharp constant stabbing feeling. No injury, no muscle soreness as I haven’t been working out or exerting at all .. I have also noticed that the cleavage of this breast has become almost a straight line as opposed to the smooth curve it was.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Brave910580,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is 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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Jonathan Heistein, MD · Answer

It is very important to let your surgeon know about the pain you are experiencing.  An in-person evaluation is essential in your situation.   In addition to the exam, he/she can send you to get a mammogram or ultrasound to make sure there isn't anything going on.  Hope that helps.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You may be developing a capsule. I would suggest first letting your primary care check you and get a mammogram if you have not had one in the past year. If nothing is found, then see your plastic surgeon.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The best place to begin is to schedule an evaluation with your surgeon.  You may be developing a capsular contracture which can cause changes in breast shape, firmness, and pain.  An exam or possible further testing can confirm if this is the cause of your discomfort.

Daniel P. Markmann, MD · Answer

The source of your pain is difficult to know. There are some possibilities....  It could be that you are developing a capsular contracture.   If you know that your cleavage has definitely changed, this might be the problem.   It could also possible be a fold in the implant.   It could be totally unrelated to your implants, such as Costocondritis of a breast cyst.   The best thing to do is get evaluated by your plastic surgeon.     Good luck.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Breast pain several years after uncomplicated augmentation is unlikely related to your implants.
Unless you’ve had a change with your implants, the cause of discomfort is most likely garden variety breast pain, which is extremely common.
The included information was copied and pasted from Wikipedia, which summarizes breast pain nicely.
plastic surgeons are not typically very good at managing breast pain.
Unless you have a problem with your implant or appearance of your breast you’re probably better off talking to your primary care doctor or obstetrician/gynecologistMats Hagström MD 
Breast pain is the symptom of discomfort in either one or both breasts.[2] Pain in both breasts is often described as breast tenderness, is usually associated with the menstrual period and is not serious.[1][3] Pain that involves only one part of a breast is more concerning,[1] particularly if a hard mass or nipple discharge is also present. 
Causes may be related to the menstrual cycle, birth control pills, hormone therapy, or psychiatric medication.[1] Pain may also occur in those with large breasts, during menopause, and in early pregnancy.[1][3] In about 2% of cases breast pain is related to breast cancer.[4] Diagnosis involves examination, with medical imaging if only a specific part of the breast hurts.[1]In more than 75% of people the pain resolves without any specific treatment.[1] Otherwise treatments may include paracetamol or NSAIDs.[1] A well fitting bra may also help.[3] In those with severe pain tamoxifen or danazol may be used.[1] About 70% of women have breast pain at some point in time.[2] Breast pain is one of the most common breast symptoms, along with breast masses and nipple discharge.[1]CauseseditBreast pain linked to the menstrual cycle is called cyclic breast pain or cyclic mastalgia. Some degree of cyclical breast tenderness is normal in the menstrual cycle, and is usually associated with menstruation and/or premenstrual syndrome (PMS).[5] Cyclic breast pain is often associated with fibrocystic breast changes or duct ectasia and thought to be caused by changes of prolactin response to thyrotropin.[6][7]Breast pain that is not linked to a menstrual cycle is called noncyclic breast pain. Noncyclical breast pain has various causes and is harder to diagnose and frequently the root cause is outside the breast. Some degree of non-cyclical breast tenderness can normally be present due to hormonal changes in puberty (both in girls and boys), in menopause and during pregnancy.[5] After pregnancy, breast pain can be caused by breastfeeding.[5] Other causes of non-cyclical breast pain include alcoholism with liver damage (likely due to abnormal steroid metabolism), mastitis and medications such as digitalis, methyldopa (an antihypertensive), spironolactone, certain diuretics, oxymetholone (an anabolic steroid), and chlorpromazine (a typical antipsychotic).[5] Also, shingles can cause a painful blistering rash on the skin of the breasts.[5]
TreatmenteditIn more than 75% of people the pain resolves without any specific treatment.[1] Otherwise treatments may include paracetamol or NSAIDs.[1] A well fitting bra may also help.[3] In those with severe pain tamoxifen or danazol may be used.[1]Bromocriptine may be used as well.[14]Spironolactone, low dose oral contraceptives, and low-dose estrogen have helped to relieve pain. Topical anti-inflammatory medications can be used for localized pain. Vitamin E is not effective in relieving pain nor is evening primrose oil. Vitamin B6 and vitamin A have not been consistently found to be beneficial. Flaxseed has shown some activity in the treatment of cyclic mastalgia.[8]Pain may be relieved by the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or, for more severe localized pain, by local anaesthetic.[2][5] Pain may be relieved by reassurance that it does not signal a serious underlying problem, and an active life style can also effect an improvement.[2]Information regarding how the pain is real but not necessarily caused by disease can help to understand the problem. Counseling can also be to describe changes that vary during the monthly cycle. Women on hormone replacement therapy may benefit from a dose adjustment. Another non-pharmacological measure to help relieve symptoms of pain may be to use good bra support. Breasts change during adolescence and menopause and refitting may be beneficial. Applying heat and/or ice can bring relief. Dietary changes may also help with the pain. Methylxanthines can be eliminated from the diet to see if a sensitivity is present. Some clinicians recommending a reduction in salt, though no evidence supports this practice.[8]

Sharp pain 5 years after breast implants (Photo)

Answers (6)

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