Throbbing implant 15 years old - could this be capsular contracture?

Question

Two and a half years ago I felt a pull in my left breast while doing yoga and it’s never been the same. I have pain and throbbing in the top and lateral side of implant. The implant is under the muscle. Could this be capsular contracture? Thank you.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. Difficult to say since the incident took place 2 years ago, now causing the chronic pain symptoms. A full assessment in person would be the most beneficial to try and pinpoint the pain and potentially see what the cause. Typically capsular contracture starts earlier than 15 years. Consider talking to your family doctor and potentially getting a sonogram.

Michele A. Shermak, MD · Answer

Hello!
I would recommend you see a board certified plastic surgeon for an examination. If you have any information pertaining to your prior implant surgery that would be helpful in your consultation. It is possible your implants are fine. Implants can wear over time and with significant dynamic activity, but even if the implants rupture, they should not travel outside the region of your breasts nor cause harm. The surgeon may decide to order an imaging test, like an ultrasound.
You can find a board certified plastic surgeon near you at plasticsurgery.org.
Best of luck to you!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

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

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @Badonetime thank you for your question. It is important to understand that the ideal is to change the prosthesis at least every 10 years to avoid capsule problems. That said, It is important to perform an ultrasound scan that allows us to see the current state of the prosthesis and the surrounding structures, in this way we can proceed to diagnose not only the current state, but also the plan to improve the current symptomatology. For more information and recommendations is best to consult with one or several board certified plastic surgeons. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The symptoms you describe can potentially be capsular contracture.  The best way to find out what is occurring is to visit your surgeon for an evaluation.  With capsular contracture the breasts can feel hard, look misshapen or even hurt.  I've included a video about capsular contracture that I hope you find helpful.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, it could be a capsule. I would suggest meeting with a board certified plastic surgeon and being examined.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

A capsular contracture is when you experience a tightening of one or both breasts which gets worse over time.  The shape of the breast goes from a natural appearance to one of a hard round unnatural shape.  Pain may or may not be associated with this phenomenon, however, usually with a Grade 3 or grade 4 CC there is pain.
With the description of your pain and onset, I feel you may have torn part of the capsule and now have some nerve pain. Non surgical treatments should be employed such as the use of Gabapentin or Lyrica.  Surgery if you do have a CC