You wake up one morning and feel a persistent, dull ache in your chest. As the day goes on, the discomfort grows, and you notice that your breast feels tender to the touch. By evening, the pain is sharp, and you’re starting to worry. Could this be a sign that something is wrong with your breast implants? You’re not alone in your concerns; many women experience pain associated with their implants, and understanding the possible causes is crucial for addressing the issue.
Breast implant pain can be alarming, and, in some cases, the symptoms may be so non-specific that women often take months or years to realize their implants are at fault. In this article, we explore the various reasons why your breast implants might be causing pain. And if you are suffering from pain as a result of breast implants, Dr. Khan is a brilliant surgeon who can remove the implant and alleviate your concerns.
Capsular contracture
One of the most common reasons for breast implant pain is capsular contracture. This occurs when the scar tissue, or capsule, that naturally forms around the implant hardens and contracts. This can cause the implant to feel firm and misshapen, leading to significant discomfort or pain. Capsular contracture can vary in severity, ranging from mild cases that cause slight firmness to severe cases that cause extreme pain and distortion of the breast.
Implant rupture and leakage
When a saline or silicone implant ruptures, the contents can leak into the surrounding tissue. In the case of saline implants, the body absorbs the saline solution, but the sudden deflation can be uncomfortable. For silicone implants, a rupture may lead to silicone gel leaking into the surrounding tissues, causing pain, inflammation, or changes in breast shape. Silent ruptures, where the leak is not immediately noticeable, can also occur.
Infection
Infections can occur at any time after breast implant surgery, whether immediately post-operation or years later. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, warmth, pain, and fever. If an infection develops around the implant, it can cause severe pain and may necessitate the removal of the implant to clear the infection effectively. Infections are serious and require prompt medical attention to prevent further complications.
Hematoma and seroma
Hematomas and seromas are collections of blood and fluid, respectively, that can accumulate around the implant. Hematomas typically occur soon after surgery but can develop later due to trauma or injury to the breast. Seromas may also form post-surgery or as a result of injury. Both conditions can cause swelling, pain, and bruising. In some cases, the body may absorb small hematomas and seromas, but larger collections might require surgical intervention to drain the excess fluid and alleviate the pain.
Implant displacement
Implant displacement happens when the breast implant moves from its original position. This can be due to various reasons, including capsular contracture, trauma, or improper surgical placement. Displacement can cause the breast to appear asymmetrical and lead to discomfort or pain. The movement of the implant can also stretch the surrounding tissues, adding to the discomfort. Surgical correction is often necessary to reposition or, more preferably, remove the implant and relieve the pain.
Nerve damage
Nerve damage is another potential cause of breast implant pain. During surgery, nerves in the breast area can be damaged, leading to changes in sensation, numbness, or chronic pain. Nerve pain can be persistent and difficult to manage, often requiring specialized pain management strategies or additional surgeries to address the damaged nerves.
Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL)
Although rare, BIA-ALCL is a type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that can develop around breast implants. Symptoms of BIA-ALCL include persistent swelling, pain, and lumps around the implant area. Early detection and treatment are crucial for managing this condition. If you experience these symptoms, it’s essential to seek medical advice immediately to rule out or confirm BIA-ALCL and discuss appropriate treatment options.
Breast implant illness (BII)
Breast Implant Illness (BII) is a term used to describe a variety of systemic symptoms related to breast implants. These can include chronic fatigue, joint pain, memory issues, “brain fog,” and much more. The symptoms of BII are so wide-ranging and non-specific that patients often suffer for years and spend considerable time ruling out other possible conditions before realizing that they’re being slowly poisoned by their implants. Dr. Khan specializes in addressing BII and advocates for the removal of breast implants to address or prevent this condition.
Breast implant pain can stem from various causes, ranging from capsular contracture and implant rupture to infections and breast implant illness. If you’re experiencing persistent or severe pain, please consult with a specialist like Dr. Shaher Khan at Executive Plastic Surgery for the necessary guidance and care. Dr. Khan strongly advises women against getting breast implants and is an advocate for breast explants to address or prevent a wide range of health conditions that can occur as a result of the implants. For more information contact us today.
