Hi! I have been having shooting pain in both breast- center focused, behind nipple. I have textured silicon breast implants-under chest muscle. Got them done 5 years ago. The pain comes and goes,never constant. I just had an appt a my pcp to get checked out due to my PS office being permanentlyclosed and to get mri scheduled. Is this a common issue? What could be the cause of the pain? Thank you
KatelynP
Because you have breast implants, especially since they are textured, and you are having some symptoms I recommend that you consult with a Board Certified Plastic surgeon in your area immediately. If your surgeon has retired you can contact the American Society of Plastic Surgeons for a list of surgeons in your area. There is currently some concern regarding textured implants and potential development of a condition known as ALCL, a type of lymphoma. This is why you should seek consultation with a Plastic Surgeon ASAP.
Many women experience breast pain. It can be due to pressure within small cysts in the breast tissue itself, plugged ducts, nerve irritation, etc. You also have an implant that has been placed behind the pectoral muscle. There is a scar-tissue capsule that surrounds the implant. This capsule can sometimes cause pulling at the muscle or the sensory nerves that can cause pain. It is definitely a good idea to get checked out. Depending on your age, you might need a mammogram. You should get your implants imaged with ultrasound or MRI to check their integrity. It would be good to be seen by a plastic surgeon, as your primary MD may have little experience with women with implants. Use the Find-A-Surgeon tool on this website to locate a board-certified ASPS member near you. Increasing your fluids, reducing caffeine intake, and taking Vitamin E can sometimes be helpful for breast pain. Good luck!
Thank you for sharing your question and I am sorry to hear of your discomfort. Unfortunately without photographs or an in-person examination it is difficult to offer definite advice. Pain may be resulting from a capsular contracture, late fluid collection, bruise tissue cysts, etc. I would recommend discussing your concerns with your ob/gyn as well as finding a new plastic surgeon who could help you diagnose and treat this issue.
Hello and thank you for the question. There are many reasons for breast pain following implants. One reason could be related to your own breast physiology including enlargement of cysts secondary to fluctuations in hormone levels with your menstrual cycle. Another could be from capsular contracture or from scarring between the implant and your overlying breast tissue or muscle. The pain can also be secondary to muscle spasm. Although breast pain is not typically a sign of breast cancer, a thorough breast examination by a board certified breast surgeon or plastic surgeon and breast imaging including mammogram, ultrasound and/or MRI should be performed to rule out that possibility by evaluating for masses, calcifications or fluid collections around the implant.
Anytime you have breast pain, you should have a thorough evaluation which will include an examination and MRI in order to rule out atypia, malignancy, or even implant rupture. Aches and pains in the breast are common however, and likely to be normal cyclical symptoms. Please follow up with a breast specialist.