Advice please as I'm almost 10 years post op with pain?

Question

I’m almost 10 years post breast augmentation and I’m sure I’ve had minor nerve damage since day one (odd sensations, minor pain) in my left breast. Recently the pain become proper pain and I saw my gp and was referred to breast specialist clinic. Ultra sound was done: no rupture and no issues. That was about 8 weeks ago and the last few days I’ve had pain that’s kept me awake. My mind is racing.

Irena Karanetz, MD · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for the question. 
First of all, I would encourage you to undergo a thorough physical exam evaluation and consultation with a plastic surgeon, in order to discuss your goals and concerns for the best cosmetic results. 
Since you are having persistent pain and discomfort, removing both breast implants is definitely an option. Following removal of implants patients may choose to undergo a breast lift, or simply remove the breast implants without doing anything else. 
I hope this helps.Best regards, Dr. Karanetz
Dr. Irena KaranetzBreast Fellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Dana Goldberg, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear you are having pain. Nerves that are cut or stretched during surgery can heal in ways that can lead to pain. Either they are hypersensitive and "fire" without good reason, or they can be surrounded by scar tissue that triggers constant pain. If you can put your finger in one spot and "recreate" the pain, it may be possible to treat the area with a steroid injection. I have done this a couple times in my practice with success.

If the pain is more generalized and crampy, this could represent the development of capsular contracture (hardening of the scar tissue around the implant). Singulair (the asthma medication) has shown some effect in reducing the "hardness" of capsular contracture and can possibly give some relief if this is what is happening.

Honestly, it is most likely that no one will be able to get to the bottom of the pain. Removing the implants may help, but it may not affect the pain. The good news is that although pain is unpleasant and scary, it doesn't necessarily mean something dangerous is going on.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Jeffery83,
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

Gregory Sexton, MD · Answer

If you have had pain since you got your implants, I would remove them. There’s no guarantee, and I suspect there will be no relief, but at least you will know it’s not the implants causing the problem. If you take the implants out in the problem is resolved then you’ll be happy. If you take the implants out and the problem is not resolved then you will know to look somewhere else.

You may also want your general practitioner to refer you to a pain specialist.

Good luck

Advice please as I'm almost 10 years post op with pain?

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Answer: Breast augmentation

Answer: Breast augmentation

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Advice please as I'm almost 10 years post op with pain?

Answers (4)

Answer: Breast augmentation

Answer: Breast augmentation

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

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